Protect yourself from police impersonators
How can you tell if an officer pulling you over is the real deal? After several cases of cop impersonators targeting innocent people, police said you should look out for a few things if you're ever stopped.
Here's what the Eugene and Oregon State Police spokespeople said you should do if you're being pulled over and you think it's unsafe:
1. Pull into a lighted area
- If it's dark outside, slow down when you see a police car trying to flag you down.
- Motion to the cop to let him or her know you are aware of the situation, and point in the direction where you intend to go.
- Pull over in a well-lit area or drive to a police station.
2. Check in with police dispatch
- Call 9-1-1. Tell dispatch your location and that an officer is pulling you over.
- The dispatcher can verify that the traffic stop is being conducted by a legitimate officer.
3. Check for I.D.
- Check the officer(s), vehicle and uniform for key identifiers such as regulation hair cuts, name tags and official seals.
- Take down the officer's name, badge number and the law enforcement agency he works for.
Keeping a watchful eye will help protect you from becoming a cop impersonator's victim.
