Police Impersonation

How to spot a police impersonator
  • Look for suspicious behavior
  • Be aware of the very specific rules police officers are required to follow on a traffic stop:
    • Stop is signaled using overhead flashing lights.  If the stop occurs at night, pull over to the nearest well-lit area.
    • Your driver license/registration will be requested
    • You will be informed of the reason or violation that prompted the stop
  • Look for police insignia and proper decals.  Patrol units are clearly marked as FWPD and officers' uniforms have the department's shoulder patch on them (examples below):
PatrolCar-Crop.jpg
2020 FWPD Official Patch Logo
FWPD patrol car decals FWPD shoulder patch
 
What can people do if they think they've encountered an impersonator?
  • Ask to see the officer’s credentials (badge and commission card)
  • If you suspect the officer may have a fake badge, get the badge number and officer’s name and call 911
  • Always be respectful