How can you know whether a cop is really a cop?

Question

I know that police officers can show you their badge and whatnot, but, to be honest, I would never be able to tell a plastic badge that can e bought at Party City from a real one. If men come to my door claiming to be cops, is there any way to verify that? It seems to me that claiming to be a cop is a perfect way to get into someone's home. (Call me paranoid, but it's true.)

Answer 1

that almost never happens

you have a better chance of being hit by lightning.

but.. if your that scared - don't let them in !!

they cant enter without a warrant or your permission.

tell them you will come down to the police station to talk.

Answer 2

The real cops would have badges on thier uniforms and it will have a number. You could call the police station and ask them to verify it.

Answer 3

Call the non emergency police line. Ask if there should be cops at your house. If they say umm, no - then say OK please end the real police.

Answer 4

In addition to the badges and calling the station, you should ask to see their Blue Card. Every officer must carry this on their person 24-7, just b/c anyone can claim to be an officer and get a badge (you can get em online at places like www.galls.com along with all sorts of other stuff to make you look like an officer), but you can only get a Blue Card if your a real officer. If they cant produce one, then their not an officer. But, dont assume they are cop just because they show one, this is only an additional step in identifying an officer.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

If a person says that they are members of the police force listen to them. You may ask them for their identification. Their police car should be the only means of their identification.

Answer 6

well they need a warrant to come in anyway!

Answer 7

Cops also have to carry a government issued ID to show they are a cop. If you think someone is impersonating a cop, ask to see their ID. If they show a badge, ask for ID again. If they can't provide an ID, do not let them in and call the police (or 911 if the person is trying to harm you or trying to force their way into your home). Try to get a discription and a license plate number, if possible.

Answer 8

Call 911 and they can verify if there is an officer from whatever agency at your door.

Answer 9

You have a legitimate concern as police impostors are more of a problem than they ever have been. A good way to know if the person is really an officer of the police department is know what to look for beforehand. All departments do things differently and have different ways of identifying themselves. Some have picture ID's along with "off duty" badges and others actually have nothing other than maybe an off duty badge. If this is a concern for you, check with your local PD to see what they have for off duty or plain clothes identification. Also as a final resort, you can call the non-emergency line for your local police dispatch center. This is a number everyone should keep handy anyways. Otherwise look for subtle details and keep yourself in a safe position until you are sure the person is a real police officer.

Answer 10

if u dont think they r  1 then ask him do show u his badge and id.

Answer 11

Forget the badge.  Ask to see their department issued PHOTO ID.  If they don't have one, you can safely assume they are NOT real officers.  EVERY law enforcement agency in my area actually recommends this practice.

Answer 12

The uniform and the squad car is usually a dead giveaway...usually.  It is possible and it has happened where people impersonate the police.  It is usually quite easy to tell that the person is not a police officer, as the vehicle will look odd, the uniform is not quite right, etc.  Call 911, as that is a crime.  

Do what you need to do to feel safe, but remember that if the officers are real, and 99.9999999% of the time they are, and you are not responding to their orders, then you are "guilty" of a crime such as obstructing, although once you went to court it would probably be dismissed if you could somehow prove you felt threatened.

And to the answers above that stated all police carry extra ID cards or a "bluecard"...um, no.  There is no such thing as a "blue card."

Answer 13

If the police come to your door and show you a badge or ID, then politely tell them that you are confirming their ID by calling the Police Dept and once it's confirmed then you will certainly allow them inside. There's nothing wrong with protecting you life and liberties. Don't take anyones word, find out things for yourself.

Answer 14

Tell them if you are or or not alone that you are very paranoid about strangers so you will not open the door , tell them that if they need to ask you any questions or see you , then they need to write down their badge numbers and you will call the station and verify the badge numbers and will come in when your husband arrives , in the meantime you will talk to your parents about this . Hope this helps

Answer 15

Like everybody here recommends, ask to see his photo ID. You can also go on Google Images and carefully familiarize yourself with the appearance of real police badges, especially ones worn by cops in your area. It's illegal in the U.S. for any company to manufacture and sell realistic full-size police badges to the public (unless they're antiques, which are easy to spot anyway), so you should be able to tell if it's a fake if you get a good look at it. There's a slim chance, though, that a police impersonator may have stolen a badge from a retired cop, so be sure to check his ID as well.

Answer 16

Ask for their Department issued photo ID most large cities have them.

Answer 17

Don't call 911...its for emergencies (duh), call your local PD non-emergency number.

As for asking for the cop's ID...it would present the same problem...how would you know whether the ID is good or not?

Answer 18

They can't come in unless you let them or they have a warrant