Fake Cop!

[sadia]

I read it in the news once before but didn't expect it happen to me in real life. I was pulled over by another car flashing me cop like light, once i pulled over the guy approached my car and asked for my license saying I was speeding 5k over the limit. I was pretty sure I was not. Anyway I asked to show me his ID first. He backed away, went back to his car, drove past me swearing at me! I noted his Reg Plate # RJZ732 and reported it through 000 from the spot.

It was probably just a prank but guys just be careful in similar situation.

[casstony]

Impersonating a cop is no prank - he was up to no good. I hope the law catches up with him.

[Gas Giant]

The world is made up of all sorts; unfortunately including people like this. Hope he gets nabbed.

[AstralTraveller]

I wonder what his game was? Perhaps I lack imagination but I don't know what he hoped to gain. Steal your license? Just cancel it. Steal your car ('please step out of the car, sir) - but he leaves his behind. Extract an on-the-spot fine or bribe? Sounds like a long shot.

In any case I hope he gets done.

[higginsdj]

Car theft is the most likely (there would have been an accomplice in the other car). It happens here in Canberra every now and then.

[GrahamL]

At least you didn't get a speeding ticket :)

But thats still a worrying encounter, are the police going to look into the matter and let you know?

[dugnsuz]

Scary stuff - you did the right thing.
Doug

[jjjnettie]

Especially dangerous for women. It's a ploy that's been used before.

[mozzie]

very lucky!!!!! and quick witted to ask for his badge.

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

Very well handled.

I wonder if plain clothes police in a plain car would ever stop someone on a minor traffic matter anyway? Unless you saw a full uniform you could probably assume it was bogus for sure.

Cheers

[mithrandir]

Depending on how you define "minor" I've seen it happen.

Plain clothes cop waiting to turn right at a red arrow down the road to the police station. 1d10t goes through the lights as they go red, just missing a pedestrian.

Cop radios dispatch, slaps the light on the roof, and takes off after him through the still red light. With about 20 sec start, the cop caught him within about a kilometre.

[jjjnettie]

I've had one pretty full on experience with plain clothes police many years ago.
I'd pulled over to change cassettes, not wanting to swerve all over the road while choosing, and they pulled up behind me.
They got out and stood on either side of the car.
She was very well dressed, he was in a suit.
Both had time to show me their id's and introduce themselves while keeping their guns on me.
I explained to them very politely, while emptying the contents of my car onto the road, that no, I didn't just knock over the TAB at Albion.
Just so happened I fitted the description, black hair, black jumper, driving a toyota corolla.
But the point is....police will show you their ID straight away to establish their authority.

[Kevnool]

Looks like the method you used Sadia worked.
Its just sad that the criminal presence is everywhere.
Hope he`s soon on the inside lookin out.
There car was probably stolen with false plates as well, He wouldnt be that stupid.........Then maybe he was.

Cheers Kev.

[sadia]

It was an experience. Since yesterday I now know how an actual police flash light would look like compared to the fake one showed to me yesterday. I would probably also keep my doors locked if i ever get pulled over again where yesterday doors were not locked (lucky that he didn't try to open the door). I will also probably stick to busy roads if its late at night.

[snowyskiesau]

When you say 'flash light' I assume you mean a hand held torch?

Did the 'police car' at any stage show blue flashing lights? If not, this should have been a dead giveaway that it wasn't a police car.

[sadia]

Geoff, yep it wasn't a blue flashing light, it was red flashing light. When I called 000 she pretty much told me that I should not have stopped if it was not a blue flashing light.

[Ric]

You definitely did the right thing in asking for Id Sadia. I always tell my wife the same thing, if in doubt ask for Id.

I've noticed that some of the highway patrol are now using something similar to a personal webcam on their uniforms to record actions and conversations in the course of their duties.