Unmarked police cars on patrol in downtown Phoenix

[slackjaw]

Originally Posted by Zippyman

Google "police imposter" for about 10,000 true stories of it happening across the country.

That would be 10,000 links. Totally different, and nowhere close to a good measure of how common police imposters are.

[AADAD]

Originally Posted by slackjaw

That would be 10,000 links. Totally different, and nowhere close to a good measure of how common police imposters are.

Ask any woman if you're right.

Any cop that gets angry that she did not pull over for his unmarked vehicle is a bully....and maybe worse.

[slackjaw]

Originally Posted by AADAD

Ask any woman if you're right.

Gender has no bearing on the validity of the claim that getting 10,000 google hits on two words means you have found 10,000 true stories of police impersonators. By that logic there are 10,000 hurricanes that just hit the East Coast.

Look I don't doubt there have been police impersonators, and I'm sure many have committed horrible crimes, but it is extremely rare and IMO hardly a reason to pull all unmarked police cars off the streets.

[AADAD]

Originally Posted by slackjaw

Gender has no bearing on the validity of the claim that getting 10,000 google hits on two words means you have found 10,000 true stories of police impersonators. By that logic there are 10,000 hurricanes that just hit the East Coast.

Look I don't doubt there have been police impersonators, and I'm sure many have committed horrible crimes, but it is extremely rare and IMO hardly a reason to pull all unmarked police cars off the streets.

Logic vs Intuition IMO. Each case would be held up on it's merits. My point is that (and I live in Alaska where we have many unmarked cars) being pulled over by a vehicle with a light requires caution. As a man I feel that I can handle myself (and I am armed) but for a woman she must be more careful. That is just the way it is.

I don't think that I am suggesting to pull the unmarked cars off the system and I agree with you that they prevent crime. I think what I objected to is that a police officer would object to a citizen taking precautions when alerted that a car with a red light is demanding that you move over. Here are steps to follow:

If a person is concerned.

Drive to a well lit public area where there are people. Gas stations are ideal.

Call the police dispatcher from your cell phone and explain that you are being stopped by an unmarked car if you are not near a populated area.

When you do get pulled over keep your doors locked and open your window enough to request the identification of the officer.

Inspect the ID carefully and compare it to the person standing at your window. If there is a discrepancy do not comply with the person, leave your doors locked and call 911.

If the person attempts to get into your vehicle, drive towards a populated area rapidly. You will have at least a 10 second head start. That is what a gas pedal is for.

If the person breaks your window you have the right to defend yourself by whatever means you have at your disposal.

Most police officers are courteous and astute. Be prepared for the ones who is not or the imposter who with your smarts will be in jail soon.