County Sheriff warns of police impersonators

It pays to be aware!

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office there have been recent arrests in Central Florida of police impersonators.

Here are several actions recommended by the Orange County Sheriff to take if you believe you are being pulled over by a fake law enforcement officer:

1. Put on your flashers, acknowledge that you see the officer (waving of hand) drive the speed limit and call 911 from your cell phone. Tell the 911 dispatcher that you are concerned that it may not be a real law enforcement officer.

2. Drive to a well-lit, busy area such as the parking lot of a busy store.

3. Be very specific about your location, such as direction of travel, mile markers on an interstate and cross streets in the area. If you are not familiar or do not see a street number, then use a “unique landmark” description such as a mall.

4. Request a “marked unit” respond to assist.

5. If the dispatcher cannot confirm that you are being pulled over by a legitimate police officer, stay on the line with the dispatcher.

6. Inform the dispatcher of your vehicle make, model and color.

7. Request a “marked unit” respond to assist.

8. Do not stop your vehicle or get out of your vehicle until a dispatcher can confirm you are being pulled over by a legitimate police officer or an additional marked police vehicle/officer is present.

9. If the dispatcher cannot confirm that you are being pulled over by a police officer, stay on the line with the dispatcher. Drive carefully to a safe place, such as a local police department.

10. Be observant of the following: • Observe the color of the uniform and any clothing description. • Observe for any badges or patches. Do they match the jurisdiction you are in?

• Observe any lights on the vehicle to include: The colors (red and/or blue), amount of lights, flashing strobes or single rotating light.
• Observe the vehicle description upon departure to include a tag and any other characteristics or markings.
• Provide this information to the dispatcher. If it is determined that it is a police impostor, wait inside your vehicle at a safe location for law enforcement.

11. If you are issued documents that may be suspicious, contact the issuing agency about their legitimacy.

12. A legitimate law enforcement officer will not flash headlights at your vehicle in order to get you to pull over.

Download this brochure for more tips.