Tips to detect a fake police officer

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Every day police officers make routine traffic stops. On rare occasions, someone tries to impersonate an officer by performing a fake traffic stop.

Fake stops don't happen very often, but drivers should always be aware. State Trooper Michael Mosier said if drivers feel that it could be a bogus cop or traffic stop, they should try to remember details about who pulled them over.

"Try and get a description of them," explained Mosier. "Get the vehicle, you know, and definitely know where your location is."

There is one easy way to tell if an a traffic stop is a fake: if the person stopping you is not in uniform and is not in a marked police vehicle.

"A police officer can not make a traffic stop or any arrest when they are in plain clothes and in an unmarked vehicle," Mosier said. "Now like I said, I drive a marked vehicle. It's got lights on it. It's marked state police. I can be in plain clothes and I can make traffic stop or I can do anything because I am in a marked car."

A law enforcement officer can't make a traffic stop for any traffic violation in an unmarked car unless they are in full uniform. They can pull someone over for driving infractions in civilian clothes only if they are operating a fully marked police car.

Here's what you can do if you are unsure about the person attempting to stop you:

• Pull over in a lighted area where there are people around. If you need to drive a little to find a spot, call 911 and give your location.
• When you are stopped, roll your window down about one or two inches to talk with the officer.
• Ask for the officer's identification, even if they are wearing something that has a "police" or "sheriff" on it.
• Never leave your vehicle unless you are sure the person is a legitimate officer.
• If you do not think you should stop, drive the speed limit with your hazard lights flashing to help attract attention. Then safely find a location where you feel comfortable or until a second police officer arrives.

Mosier said, in most cases, fake traffic stops are made by people who think pulling people over is funny.

"Wanting to play around and think it's a game or something funny to do," said Mosier. "A lot of people do that. They probably don't realize seriousness of the situation."

Mosier says the Indiana State Police wants the public to be aware but doesn't want to scare them into being afraid of the actual police officers.