Indiana State Police Offer Safety Tips for Traffic Stops

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[sam]

 A reply about a police officers identification:

RE: Police Impersonators?
From:    Burns, Mike (MBurns@isp.IN.gov)
Sent:    Fri 11/13/09 12:39 PM
To:    sam the fisherman (indianafishing@hotmail.com)

Sir:  That is a valid point.  I would say if it is an unmarked car and the person stopping you is not in uniform then he has already broken state law.
  You should then keep your doors locked and if your best judgment tells you to drive away then proceed to a place where you can get help.
  If they follow you do not drive home, however, drive to a police station and lay on the horn if they are right behind you.  Do not exit the vehicle if they are that close.
   Hope this helps.  A real ID has the person’s picture in a police uniform.  I suppose they could make a fake one.  Respectfully, Sgt. Mike Burns. 

  Thank you Sgt. Mike Burns !!

[sam]

Indiana State Police Offer Safety Tips for Traffic Stops

Everyday in Indiana there are hundreds if not thousands of traffic stops that are performed by legitimate law enforcement officials performing their sworn duty. On a very rare occasion, a person impersonating a police enforcement officer comes to the attention of law enforcement and the public after performing a bogus traffic stop or falsely representing themselves as a public servant.

Indiana code 35-44-2-3 states: A person who falsely represents that the person is a public servant, with intent to mislead and induce another person to submit to false official authority or otherwise to act to the other person's detriment in reliance on the false representation, commits impersonation of a public servant, a Class A misdemeanor. However, a person who falsely represents that the person is:

1.  a law enforcement officer; or

2.  an agent or employee of the department of state revenue, and collects any property from another person; commits a Class D felony

Remember, a law enforcement officer cannot make a traffic stop for a traffic infraction in an unmarked vehicle unless they are in full uniform. A law enforcement officer can make a traffic stop for traffic infractions in civilian clothes only if they are operating a fully marked police car.

The following are some tips if you are questionable about the person attempting to stop you:

    * Stop in a well lighted and populated area
    * Only roll your window down enough so you can communicate (one or two inches)
    * Ask for the officer's identification (even if they are wearing something that has "police or sheriff' on it)
    * Do not leave your vehicle unless your are sure the person is a ligament officer
    * Call 911 and give the dispatcher your location
    * If you do not think you should stop, drive the speed limit with the emergency flashers on to attract attention. Proceed safely to location where you feel comfortable or until you observe a second police car.