April 26 2020
‘It’s bizarre’: OPP doesn’t know how many fake coronavirus cops are out there. Here’s how to protect yourself
''The OPP has “no idea” why there are people pretending to be police officers and stopping motorists to check their essential worker status during the
coronavirus pandemic.
So far, Wellington County OPP has released information about two suspects, including one who has already been arrested and charged, but Const. Cheri Rockefeller says there certainly could be more than one impostor still out there.
“There are other people that have had these same experiences. We cannot rule anything out at this point,” Rockefeller told The Banner.
“It’s bizarre,” she explained. “We have no idea why. Are they wannabes? Are they power tripping? Are they doing it for other sinister reasons? We have no idea.”
What to do if you think you’re being stopped by a fake cop
April 27 2020
''• If you feel you’re being stopped by someone impersonating a police officer and fear for your safety, call 911 and provide your location.
• Do not get out of vehicle.
• Lock your door.
• Crack your window low enough to pass your licence and registration.
• Ask the officer for further identification (i.e., badge).
• Ask them to call dispatch on their radio in front of you to verify that the officer is not fake. Ask for another officer to attend that location.
Other points to consider when being pulled over include:
• Slow down, put four-ways on or signal to let the officer know you see them. Drive to a well-lit area with people around if possible.
• Be observant: Is the officer wearing a full police uniform or a plain clothes officer with a badge? Is he or she professional looking as opposed to unkempt?
• What does the police vehicle look like? Is the cruiser equipped with proper emergency equipment or does it look old, broken down or like something bought at a police auction?
Yes, it sucks that police officers now have the additional burden of people suspecting that they aren’t even actual police, but such is the world we live in.''