How to Identify a Real Police Vehicle Before Rolling Down Your Window

Encountering an unmarked police vehicle can be a challenging and potentially dangerous situation. Ensuring the authenticity of the vehicle before complying is crucial for your safety. Here, we explore practical strategies and provide insights to help you make informed decisions in such scenarios.

Challenges in Identifying Unmarked Police Vehicles

The main difficulty in identifying an unmarked police vehicle lies in the varying standards and practices across different departments. Even small police forces track their vehicles with GPS technology, and standard operating procedures often include officers calling dispatch to provide the location and vehicle tag number. However, this doesn't guarantee the authenticity of every police vehicle you might encounter.

Unmarked vehicles can mimic official police vehicles closely, incorporating blue lights and other recognizable features. In some cases, these vehicles are even cloned or counterfeit, making it extremely difficult to distinguish them from real police vehicles. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of stops, especially in areas where irregularities are common.

What to Do When Confronted with an Unmarked Police Vehicle

If you suspect the vehicle may be unauthorized, calling the police dispatcher is often the best course of action. However, in situations where you don't have service, here are some alternative steps to take:

1. Call 911 if Possible

If you have cellular service, immediately contact the police dispatcher to verify the situation. Providing them with your location and a brief description of the vehicle can help the authorities assess the legitimacy of the stop.

2. Proceed to a Well-Lit Area

If calling 911 is not an option, drive to the nearest well-lit area where other witnesses may be present. This can help deter potential criminals and add an additional layer of safety. However, be prepared for the possibility that the vehicle could become more aggressive if you don't stop immediately.

3. Drive Safely and Politely

If you are in a remote area and unable to communicate with the police, driving carefully and behaving politely can minimize risks. Slow down, make full stops, and use appropriate turn signals. These actions may indicate your willingness to comply and reduce potential confrontations.

4. Keep a Trustworthy Service Aboard

Carrying a non-lethal personal weapon, like a pistol, might be a last resort. However, this strategy can also be risky. Law enforcement officers occasionally disarm individuals under such circumstances, which can be humiliating and unsafe. Additionally, the vast majority of handgun accidents occur during the process of removing or replacing the weapon, making this approach potentially dangerous.

Common Characteristics of Fake Police Vehicles

Many cloned or counterfeit police vehicles share some common features that make them difficult to identify:

They look almost identical to official police vehicles, complete with blue lights and other distinctive markings.

The blue lights are often built into the dashboard or grill, mimicking official police vehicles.

In rare cases, these vehicles might even be occupied by rogue officers using official vehicles and plates.

Protective Measures and Protocols

Our standard operating procedures (SOPs) dictate that if you are pulled over by an unmarked vehicle, you should slow down to a crawl and proceed to the nearest police station. Police trucks often have notices displayed on their back to inform the public about official stops.

However, it's essential to recognize that the legal and safety protocols may vary across different regions. If your country has unique protocols in place, follow those guidelines instead of relying on a general protocol. Misleading tactics, such as ambushes, are employed by unscrupulous individuals, making the situation even more perilous.

The police in our region work diligently to combat the issue of cloned and counterfeit police vehicles. Despite their efforts, accidents and misunderstandings can still occur, highlighting the need for continued awareness and preparedness.