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impersonating a P.O.

(Click here to view the original thread on the MassCops Message Board)

Posted by: Elusk4

I know its been discussed a great deal with the constable but it seems as though it has been happening a lot lately.

Man allegedly impersonated a police officer


1 An off-duty police officer was driving in his own car on Dedham Street on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2:07 a.m. when he was approached from behind by another car. According to the officer, the car had its high beams on and the driver was honking the horn. The car then pulled beside the police officer and the driver signaled the police officer to pull over. According to the officer, the driver told him "I'm an off-duty police officer. Pull over, I'm going to write you a ticket." At that time, the actual off-duty police officer asked to see a badge, then told the driver that he is an off-duty police officer. The driver then reportedly sped off towards his home on F Roadway, where he was followed and met by the actual off-duty police officer. Police said they are seeking charges against the 60-year-old Newton man for impersonating a police officer and operating a vehicle to endanger

Taken from the Newton Tab


Posted by: Gil

I had a good one last week. It was 18 degrees out and 3 AM. I see this girl walking down the street not dressed for the weather. I am in full uniform in a marked cruiser lightbar and all, big words on the side of the cruiser "ATTLEBORO POLICE". I stop pull along side of the girl and ask her where she is going, she tells me Pawtucket, RI (roughly about 6 miles away.) I get her info run her through and she checks out. I offer her a ride to the line and said I would make arrangements for PPD to take her the rest of the way home.

She looks at me, looks at the car and said thanks but no thanks there are too many fakes out there and I am going to have to go with my gut feeling on this one.

WTF I thought to myself, have a nice walk.


Posted by: Officer Dunngeon

Well, we all know how shady a fully uniformed police officer in a marked cruiser can seem!

Seriously, and not to get on an discussion, but perhaps it was more just the idea of "hitching" a ride with a man she didn't know. She may possibly have had a general mistrust of police officers and overhyped stories of police misconduct with women may have been dancing through her head.


Posted by: mpd61

No matter what, It is still pretty scary that this young lady felt this way about Gil...............
Kmf/Fuocok I can see, But GIL!?!?!?!



Posted by: Gil

Quote:
Originally Posted by mpd61
No matter what, It is still pretty scary that this young lady felt this way about Gil...............
Kmf/Fuocok I can see, But GIL!?!?!?!
Yeah, Kevin the mean bad ass, I'm just a caring social worker with a badge who likes to help.

Oh well hope she didn't catch a cold.


Posted by: 40th MPOC#309

Hey MPD-would you have offered her a ride if you were in your '51 Subaru sedan?


Posted by: mpd61

Quote:
Originally Posted by 40th MPOC#309
Hey MPD-would you have offered her a ride if you were in your '51 Subaru sedan?
No!
But I'll bet she would get in a certain "brown sugar" 92' CV that I'm planning to Spark out! WHEEEEEEEEEEE!



Posted by: Irish Wampanoag

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil
I had a good one last week. It was 18 degrees out and 3 AM. I see this girl walking down the street not dressed for the weather. I am in full uniform in a marked cruiser lightbar and all, big words on the side of the cruiser "ATTLEBORO POLICE". I stop pull along side of the girl and ask her where she is going, she tells me Pawtucket, RI (roughly about 6 miles away.) I get her info run her through and she checks out. I offer her a ride to the line and said I would make arrangements for PPD to take her the rest of the way home.

She looks at me, looks at the car and said thanks but no thanks there are too many fakes out there and I am going to have to go with my gut feeling on this one.

WTF I thought to myself, have a nice walk.



LOL LOL I thought only college police had experiences like this especially here at good old BHCC. Gil you must be the most advanced cop impersonator in New England.


Posted by: Gil

Quote:
Originally Posted by BHCCPD
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil
I had a good one last week. It was 18 degrees out and 3 AM. I see this girl walking down the street not dressed for the weather. I am in full uniform in a marked cruiser lightbar and all, big words on the side of the cruiser "ATTLEBORO POLICE". I stop pull along side of the girl and ask her where she is going, she tells me Pawtucket, RI (roughly about 6 miles away.) I get her info run her through and she checks out. I offer her a ride to the line and said I would make arrangements for PPD to take her the rest of the way home.

She looks at me, looks at the car and said thanks but no thanks there are too many fakes out there and I am going to have to go with my gut feeling on this one.

WTF I thought to myself, have a nice walk.
LOL LOL I thought only college police had experiences like this especially here at good old BHCC. Gil you must be the most advanced cop impersonator in New England.
Yep the outfitting the car was my biggest expence, and getting someone to standby on the other end of the radio to answer my calls LOL


Posted by: Gil

In an attempt to get this back on topic..... Here are some other instances and information on fake cops

The instance of rapists and murderers pretending to be police officers is not of epidemic proportions, but enough incidents of this nature have occurred that precautions are warranted.

In 1948 in Los Angeles, Caryl Chessman successfully robbed couples and sexually assaulted a number of women in California after first fooling them into believing he was a police officer by flashing a red light at their vehicles. (Though often he approached parked cars this way, in at least one case he managed to pull over a car that was driving on Pacific Coast Highway.) His method of approach earned him the nickname of "The Red Light Bandit." Chessman was executed on a kidnapping charge in 1960, but only after gaining fame for writing three books while in prison (most notably Cell 2455 Death Row) and becoming the focus of the then nascent movement to abolish the death penalty.

Since then others have used similar ruses to isolate their victims. More recently, in 1997 Arkansas was plagued by its "blue light rapist" who assaulted three women after first luring them to the side of the road with the help of a police-style blue light mounted on his car. Robert Todd Burmingham was sentenced in 1998 to 80 years in prison for rape, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.

In 2000, a Tampa woman was sexually assaulted by a man who had put a flashing blue and red light atop his car and motioned her off the road as if he was a police officer. After she admitted she had been drinking, he offered to drive her home; she got into his car, and he took her to an isolated location where he raped her. That case is still open.

Someone who has taken to impersonating a police officer for nefarious purposes is counting upon his intended victim's unquestioning cooperation. Because he appears in the guise of a trusted authority figure whose commands must be obeyed, he expects automatic reaction to kick in even if it overrides common sense. That could prove a fatal error to make.

In 1996 Governor Pataki issued an executive order to prevent unmarked New York state police cars from stopping motorists for routine traffic violations, citing "a growing number of cases around the country in which criminals trap their victims by posing as police officers." If he's worried about it, you should be too.


Posted by: Killjoy

That's funny, Gil, I usually have the opposite problem; women are always trying to get into my cruiser while I'm patrolling......


Posted by: SRRerg

When I was on the T Police, we would get the "You're not a real cop" argument at least several times a month. When I left there for the MSP, I figured the days of explaining who I was and my jurisdiction were behind me. I was wrong...

When I was on break-in, my first pursuit involved a woman who sped away from me because "how do I know you're really the Police?" How could she? It was just my FTO and I in full summer uniform (to include campaign covers) and his fully marked cruiser. What followed was a low speed pursuit that ended when she saw three Beverly cruisers waiting for her further down the road. Once she was in custody, I almost started laughing thinking about what my former coworkers at the T would say...


Posted by: Irish Wampanoag

From 1977 to 1980 two serial murderers terrorized the Los Angeles area. Women were frightened to go out or even leave there apartments in fear that the murderers would get them. Two cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono who worked detailing and upholstering cars went around kidnapping, raping and then killing their victims, leaving them on a hillside just outside of LA. Hence the name Hillside Stranglers. The frightening thing about it was they impersonated LA police officers showing their fake badges and making motor vehicle stops in secluded areas. They then told the victims they were under arrest bringing them back to their car and finally victimized them. www.Hillside-Strangler.com


Posted by: Officer Dunngeon

That was my point with Gil's situation (and SRR's), that she could have been so high or whatever (just dumb) that maybe she honestly did not think he was a real cop. However, I think a marked cruiser especially would cancel a woman's (or anyone's) concern of whether or not the person trying to stop them is a real police officer; a uniform alone could not do that since it can be easily obtained, patches too - a marked cruiser is a bit harder to come by.

However, it's not like officers on duty have not attacked women in their cruisers before.

I think someone posted it on here before, or maybe I heard this little safety tip on television - if you are driving alone and another vehicle is attempting to pull you over where you're not sure if the person is actually a police officer (unmarked car with blue lights or whatever), simply call 911 (if you have a cell phone) and ask the dispatcher why the officer behind you is trying to pull you over... that should confirm whether or not the "officer" is legit. If no cell phone, then pull over in a well-lit, more populated area or better yet, by a police station.


Posted by: USMCTrooper

I had a situation once where this woman (not the brightest bulb-it was obvious) would not roll down her window because she knew she didn't do anything wrong therefore I must not be the real Police. I remained calm and said, ok got a cell phone? Dial 911. Tell them ONLY where you are. They will in turn give you my name, your name and tell you what kind of car you are driving. All went according to plan and although the woman was still convinced she didn't do anything wrong, she realized this wasn't some gag. I'm sure the full boat V and subsequent Merit Rating increase keeps reminding her year after year.....


Posted by: davespd

Two guys from my from my department responded in full uniforms and fully marked cars to a 911 hangup and the female that answered the door requested picture ID before allowing them to enter the hosue.

I can not really blame her with all the cases of people impersonating police officers in the media lately.

If you catch any of these creeps keep mind these are the people that have been making us look bad, making people question wether we are real police or impersonators and putting fear in the eyes of our wives and girlfriends or worse harassing them.


Posted by: Gil

Quote:
Originally Posted by davespd
Two guys from my from my department responded in full uniforms and fully marked cars to a 911 hangup and the female that answered the door requested picture ID before allowing them to enter the hosue.

I can not really blame her with all the cases of people impersonating police officers in the media lately.

If you catch any of these creeps keep mind these are the people that have been making us look bad, making people question wether we are real police or impersonators and putting fear in the eyes of our wives and girlfriends or worse harassing them.
That happened to a family in South Attleboro around 96 or 97, guy in black BDU's with a black ball cap with "POLICE" on it went to a house and said he was responding to a 911 hangup. I am not sure of all the details but he apparently did not attempt anything more than that. The victim called both APD and NAPD to verify that he was an officer responding to a call and found out the shocking news. Talk about balls! Not sure if he was driving a vic or not.


Posted by: mpd61

Gil!
I remember that. It was October 17th 1997. It was a NEMLEC team responding to Plainville, but got lost!



Posted by: Guinness2429

You are killing me!!!!!

Guinness2429


Posted by: thumper2168

and they were driving the Nemlecmobille before Flynn and everyone else gets indicted...............


Posted by: Mshaw166

Alot of repo guys seem to like to pass themselves off as cops. One night I was watching the desk and two guys in black BDUs with badges around their necks came in to the station. I buzzed them in thinking they were from the sheriff's department as they had been in town the previous few days trying to pick up deadbeat dads.
Come to find out they were car repo guys and I was shocked (and a little pissed). Then they asked for our help to repo a car with them. They were promptly told to go pound sand. The badges said constable or something to that effect.


Posted by: Gil

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mshaw166
Then they asked for our help to repo a car with them.
My typical response to repos when they come to the station looking for help...

Q: Do you have the car?
A: No

Q: Do you need directions?
A: No

Then come back when you get the car.


Posted by: quality617

Anyone remember that nut up in NH a few years ago? He had an actual uniform he created himself, a CV lit to the gills, even a picture ID with "New Hampshire Law Enforcement Association" or something like that. Evidently he was pulling over people by the dozen, just to harrass, until he pulled over an off duty trooper one night.

*sigh*


Posted by: Elusk4

just a few weeks ago there was a THIRD WATCH episode that depicted this situation exactly. there were two guys driving a CV with lights dressed as PO's pulling over women and rapping them. I never new this was such a popular thing. I have heard of it a few times but now hearing all your stories and having it happen in my city last week its crazy. I think there needs to be a more serious charge than just impersonating a PO with a slap on the wrist.


Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elusk4
just a few weeks ago there was a THIRD WATCH episode that depicted this situation exactly. there were two guys driving a CV with lights dressed as PO's pulling over women and rapping them.
Like, just knocking them in the head or something? Where did they "rap" them? Or were they singing urban type music to them?




Posted by: Wolfman

...but I couldn't resist...




Posted by: Christopher

LOL


Posted by: Mortal knight

I remembered last summer how two kids were driving around in a decked out under cover CV. When a trooper pulled them over they had cuffs and guns up the wazoo Sorry I don't remember the details, just the fact that we were in the academy watching the news laughing at the arrested saps. I think they were from Lawerance.


Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mortal knight
I remembered last summer how two kids were driving around in a decked out under cover CV. When a trooper pulled them over they had cuffs and guns up the wazoo Sorry I don't remember the details, just the fact that we were in the academy watching the news laughing at the arrested saps. I think they were from Lawerance.
If it's the incident I am thinking of, they weren't just kids, they were out ripping off drug dealers. They got stopped because they were wig-wagging down the highway and a Trooper saw them.


Posted by: fscpd907

STORY BY: WSBTV.COM

ATLANTA- Even though two arrests have been made this month, Metro Atlanta authorities continue to have problems with police impersonators.

On Thursday, Cobb County Police investigated the report of a suspect who pulled over the same female teen driver for a second time. The suspect told the young woman he would not issue a speeding ticket if she gave him a kiss.

Police are also searching for a suspect who posed as a Police Officer and robbed a male party. The impersonator ordered the male out of the M/V and took $400 from his wallet. The suspects white Chevy Impala was adorned with blue lights.

Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a suspect after he was observed driving his pickup truck with a siren blaring and blue lights flashing.


Posted by: Foxracingmtnridr

Quote:
Originally Posted by quality617
Anyone remember that nut up in NH a few years ago? He had an actual uniform he created himself, a CV lit to the gills, even a picture ID with "New Hampshire Law Enforcement Association" or something like that. Evidently he was pulling over people by the dozen, just to harrass, until he pulled over an off duty trooper one night.

*sigh*
Yeah he was behind me one day and started flashing his lights then he flew by me. It was like 2001 or something and he was in a Black Caprice with a 3 number plate i forget what it was. I didn't think anything of it at the time then like 3 weeks later i'm at my shop in Nashua reading the paper and saw something about it.

Scott


Posted by: Foxracingmtnridr

There was also an Incident not too long ago in Medford and that area of some guy's in their early 20's pulling people over and impersonating. Guess they figured it was cheaper to buy a flashing blue light then to take the test and go to the academy

Scott


Posted by: Brian823

Another Police Impersonator Strikes Local Neighborhood
Man Remains At Large

POSTED: 6:35 p.m. EST February 15, 2004
UPDATED: 6:35 p.m. EST February 15, 2004


Story by Channel Cincinnati

NORWOOD, Ohio -- A second man now appears to be impersonating a police officer, according to local investigators.



Norwood resident Angela Brady said she'd just left her sister's house late Saturday night when she was pulled over near the intersection of Sherman and Walter avenues, WLWT Eyewitness News 5's Tony Gnau reported.

That's when a man got out of a white Crown Victoria -- just like a Norwood police cruiser -- told her she was driving a stolen vehicle and asked to see her registration.

"He went back to the vehicle, was back there for five or six minutes, came back to my window, told me he had the wrong car and let me go," Brady said.

The Crown Victoria had a logo on its side and red and blue lights on the dashboard instead of the roof, Gnau reported. The man even acted the part well, and looked official, Brady said.

"He had a gun, Mace, handcuffs and a radio on the shoulder," she said.

Still, Brady was curious when she got home, so she called Norwood police, who told her the man wasn't an officer. If the man can fool an adult, Brady said she's concerned what the man might try with a child, as someone did twice last week in Anderson Township, Gnau reported.

"I have two children and I'm pregnant," she said. "This is a big concern."

Brady said the man appeared to be in his 30s, and was about 5 feet 10 and 175 pounds. He had blonde, crew-cut hair, and wore a police uniform with Cobble on the nameplate.

If you have any information, you're asked to call Norwood police.

No other details are available.

Please follow WLWT Eyewitness News 5 and ChannelCincinnati.com for updates to this story as they become available.


Posted by: Brian823

Real Police Bust Alleged Fake Cop
Local Man Due In Court Monday

POSTED: 7:12 a.m. EST March 1, 2004
UPDATED: 8:05 a.m. EST March 1, 2004


Story by Channel Cincinnati

CINCINNATI -- A group of suspicious neighbors led police to a major bust Sunday night.

Thomas Godby, 39, was arrested at the Milford Commons Apartments in Miami Township after he allegedly posed as a police officer and questioned several people, WLWT Eyewitness News 5 reported.

Godby also was accused of patting down some of his targets.

Investigators said Godby was carrying an official-looking badge and identification, and added that they also found a gun in Godby's car, WLWT reported.

Godby is due in court Monday morning.

No other information is available.

Please follow WLWT Eyewitness News 5 and ChannelCincinnati.com for updates to this story as they become available.


Posted by: fscpd907

Police Make Arrests In Fake Cop Home Invasions
Investigators Believe Third Person May Be Involved In Crimes

POSTED: 4:07 p.m. EST March 3, 2004
UPDATED: 4:11 p.m. EST March 3, 2004


Story by Click On Detroit

-- Police captured two men who allegedly posed as police officers to rob at least three Oakland County homes, Local 4 reported.

One man was arrested Tuesday night and the other was found in Redford Township on Wednesday, according to police.

Police say the men posed as Michigan State Police troopers to rob a home in the 4400 block of Rolling Pine Drive around 7 p.m. on Friday.

When the homeowners answered the door, the men presented what appeared to be police badges and they forced their way into the home at gunpoint, according to police.

Police say the men tied up the homeowners with duct tape and filled a pillowcase with several items and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The same men may also be responsible for a home invasion attempt in Franklin on Feb. 22, and a home invasion in Sylvan Lake on Feb. 9.

Investigators are searching for a third man who may also be involved in the crimes.


Posted by: XRacerX

We had one at our Wellesley campus playing like he was a off duty trooper. Ya when his father got word who's a trooper. Well lets say his father was happy with us, but not with the son. I think the gloves came off at home that night!!!!


Posted by: fscpd907

**WARNING OFF TOPIC POST**

XRacerX

When do you work in Framingham ? Shift ? I tried to PM ya but it came back to me.


Posted by: Brian823

Suspect Probed for Link to Fake Cop Stops
Police on Lookout After Series of Police Impersonator Calls

POSTED: 1:31 p.m. EST March 4, 2004
UPDATED: 5:20 p.m. EST March 4, 2004


Story by wsbtv.com

GAINESVILLE -- Hall County sheriff's deputies said Thursday that they have arrested a possible suspect in a string of metro Atlanta police impersonation incidents after investigators found a police badge in the man's car, which looked similar to vehicles driven by law enforcement authorities.


Kevin Antonia Lewis, 32, of Clarkston was charged with theft by receiving and a driver's license violation and was being held in the Gwinnett County Jail in lieu of $6,000 bail. Authorities said he could be placed in a police line-up as early as Thursday afternoon.


A Hall deputy stopped the vehicle on Interstate 985 Wednesday because the car resembled one being sought by Gwinnett police in connection with phony cop stops, officials said. The man was wearing a shirt with the word "sheriff" on it, authorities said.

A Gwinnett police badge was found in the man's white Ford Crown Victoria, which had tinted windows. Authorities charged Lewis with theft because the badge was allegedly stolen.

"He had a badge in his possession that he didn't have the authority to have," said Hall sheriff Lt. Jeff Strickland, who added that investigators are obtaining a search warrant for the car.

Investigators asked anyone who has been stopped by the car or has information about the case to call 770-536-7722.

A string of reported police impersonation incidents have occurred in metro Atlanta in recent weeks.


Police in Cobb, Cherokee and Douglas counties have all had reports of police impersonators. Authorities in Cherokee and Douglas counties have made arrests in their cases. Cobb police still are searching for a police impersonator who has struck twice.

Gwinnett County, which is near Hall, has had the most widely publicized cases.

On Feb. 24, a Gwinnett motorist reported being pulled over around 4:30 a.m. on Sycamore Road in Sugar Hill by a man who claimed to be a police officer.

The victim said they were stopped by a man who wore a badge, had on a dark-colored uniform and drove a light-colored Ford Crown Victoria with a flashing blue light on the dashboard.

Police said the fake officer asked the driver for his driver's license and insurance. The phony officer returned to his car without waiting for the information before leaving the scene.

It remains unclear if that incident is related to two other incidents in which Gwinnett motorists were stopped and uniformed suspects made off with their licenses, registrations and cash.


Posted by: mpd61

O.K., O.K., Brian823..........

We understand there are people impersonating L.E. in various states around the country!


Obviously you have the resources and inclination to pursue this subject on a continuing basis. Perhaps you could write a thesis for educational purposes, or an article for the local media. In which case we could all see the factors you're identifying and any conclusion(s) you reach. Then perhaps you wouldn't have to keep pasting articles here, and avoid being section 12'ed for obsessive behavior!



Posted by: Gil

I think the FBI already did a study on that....


Posted by: robodope

That's a funny story Gill...Some of these kids aren't very bright..It reminded me of the two in dumb and dumber that picked up the guy hitchiking that was actually trying to kill them..he says normally we don't pick up hitchikers but you know what..i'm gonna go with my gut instinct on this one...If anything your story gave me a laugh..thank you!!!


Posted by: Brian823

Fake Cop Pulls Over Actual Officer
Cop Impersonator Charged

POSTED: 5:29 p.m. CST March 11, 2004
UPDATED: 1:17 a.m. CST March 12, 2004


Story by nbc5.com

CHICAGO -- Chicago police have arrested a man for impersonating a police officer.

The suspect, 18-year-old Paul Liebas (pictured), made the mistake of trying to pull over a real Chicago police officer Wednesday night, and now, authorities want to know if there are more victims out there, reported NBC5's Anita Padilla.


Liebas' car, a gold 2000 Ford Crown Victoria with Illinois license plate number 5762123, looked like an unmarked unit and had oscillating lights like one, but Liebas reportedly made the mistake of pulling over an off-duty officer in the 4300 block of West 55th Street.

"He asked him for his driver's license," said Pat Camden of the Chicago Police Department. "The police officer, being very aware of his surroundings and what was going on, asked Liebas for his identification. Liebas then turned around, ran to his car and took off."

The officer noted the license number and called 911. Police found the suspect a couple of blocks away. Police said a search of Liebas' home uncovered two pellet guns and a police scanner.

Police suspect Liebas has been shaking down other victims. They said all officers carry identification cards and stars and will grant a request for a supervisor on scene.

"If you're driving and somebody's trying to pull you over and you think that it's not the police, call the police," Camden said. "Call 911, explain the situation to them. Tell them where you're at and what you're doing."

Liebas is charged with a misdemeanor for impersonating an officer. Police said anyone who might be a victim should call Area 1 police.


Posted by: Brian823

Beware of police impostor

Sturbridge sex assault

John Dignam
T&G STAFF
jdignam@telegram.com



STURBRIDGE- Police are cautioning residents about the possibility of a police impostor following a sexual assault on a woman driver Sunday morning.

Detective Sgt. Alan Curboy said police continue to investigate the incident, in which the woman was sexually assaulted and suffered physical injuries, including a head injury, in the assault. She was treated at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge and released.

According to Sgt. Curboy, the woman was taken from her car at Route 131 and Wallace Road about 1:30 Sunday morning and put into the suspect's car. She was subjected to explicit sexual comments, driven to an unknown location, then returned to the vicinity of her car, where she was assaulted.

Sgt. Curboy said the suspect may have flashed his headlights or used a flashing red light to pull the woman over. He said the suspect apparently made comments to the victim to lead her to believe he was a police officer, although it was uncertain whether he actually made that claim, Sgt. Curboy said.

Police said the victim described her assailant as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 35 to 45 years old, with a medium build, brown hair possibly graying, no facial hair and dark clothing. His car was described as a dark passenger car.

Police are developing a composite sketch of the suspect.

Sgt. Curboy asked that any resident who may have information concerning the incident or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of the incident Sunday morning call police at (50 347-2525.

Sgt. Curboy said all Police Department personnel have photo IDs. He said all patrol cruisers are marked as Sturbridge police and that all police vehicles, including an unmarked cruiser, have forward facing flashing red lights. He said any driver who is suspicious during a police stop should drive to a well-lighted, public place such as a gas station or shopping plaza. He said drivers also should ask for police identification. Police also suggested drivers should carry cell phones in case of emergencies.


Posted by: NACop

Finally,

A real local story for this thread. Brian, I hope it'snot the staties trying to set you up



Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian823
...that all police vehicles, including an unmarked cruiser, have forward facing flashing red lights.


Huh?? Did I miss something and Sturbridge moved to NY or RI?


Posted by: Wolfman

Saw that too. So much for accuracy in the media.


Posted by: USMCTrooper

Was it LIVE or IMPOSTER? You be the judge.....


Police probing badge incident

03/20/2004

By MICHAEL McAULIFFE
mmcauliffe@repub.com

SPRINGFIELD - Police Chief Paula C. Meara said yesterday her department is aggressively pursuing a complaint that two men, neither in police uniform, flashed badges and accosted a woman on a downtown street earlier this month after stepping out of a sport utility vehicle later determined to be registered to an officer who was suspended from the force in 1997.

Meara said the case is being handled by the Internal Investigations Unit, but no identifications have been made in connection with the March 6 incident.

"We don't have the officers identified at this time," said Meara.

Jessica Hill, a free-lance photographer who lives in East Windsor, said she was confronted by two white males shortly before midnight March 6. She later filed a complaint at police headquarters, and said yesterday she has been contacted twice by police and is attempting to find time in her schedule to meet with department personnel at the station.

But Hill, who said the incident began when the driver of a 1996 Ford Explorer attempted to park in front of her car on Dwight Street, said police told her that night that a check of the license plate number had determined the Explorer is registered to a Springfield police officer.

The registrant is Anthony D. Bedinelli, matching the name of a 10-year department veteran who received a six-month suspension in 1997 after he left his post when his two rottweilers mauled an 8-year-old girl. It took more than five months after the incident for the suspension to be handed down by the Police Commission following the internal investigation.

Bedinelli declined comment when asked about the March 6 incident.

"We are definitely pursuing this," Meara said, adding: "We do not want to cause a defect to a case, a fatal flaw to a case, by jumping to a conclusion."

Although Police Department policy has allowed citizens to file complaints at a number of locations, including City Hall, neighborhood council and NAACP offices, Hill has been asked to make an identification from photos at police headquarters.

Hill, who had completed an assignment earlier in the evening for The Republican, said she was accosted after she and a friend had returned to Hill's car following dinner at a restaurant in the city's entertainment district.

Hill said the two men flashed badges, and that the driver of the Explorer called her a "bitch" three times and also said he was a police officer.

The incident began when the driver of the Explorer attempted to park in front of her car and next to a fire hydrant. Hill said there was little space to park, and she honked her horn at the other driver.

She said a passenger jumped out of the car, flashed a badge and ordered her to move her car. Instead, she made a 911 call on her cell phone.

Hill said the driver then wheeled the Explorer to a space across the street - in front of another hydrant - and both men approached her car. She said the driver slammed a badge on her windshield and yelled at her.

"What is your problem, bitch?" Hill recounted the driver yelling. She said he later yelled at her: "I am a cop, dumb bitch."

The men then walked away, Hill said.

Meara reviewed Hill's complaint and on March 9 ordered the Internal Investigations Unit to conduct an investigation. The unit has 90 days from the filing of a complaint to complete an investigation.

Although Meara said neither man has been identified, Hill said police have asked her to come to the station to attempt to identify the passenger in the Explorer. She also questioned how police did not yet know the driver of the vehicle.

"That's definitely a surprise to me," she said. "If they traced the (license) plates to an officer, how do they not know who it is?"

On her own authority, Meara can suspend an officer for up to five days. "I could never suspend without a proper identification and without some evidence," she cautioned.
Mayor Charles V. Ryan said he believes the case will be dealt with properly.

"I have confidence in the (Police) Commission and the chief to handle this in the appropriate way," he said.

Last year Bedinelli received a commendation for his part in helping to rescue a girl who was struggling in the water at Watershops Pond. But in August 1997 the Police Commission suspended him for six months without pay after he left his post at the dispatch room upon hearing reports that his two rottweilers got loose from his East Forest Park home and mauled a girl.

The attack occurred on Feb. 28, 1997.

The Republican yesterday filed written public records requests with the department for internal affairs reports involving Bedinelli, the 911 tape or transcript related to the March 6 incident, and other documents. The department has 10 days under the law to provide the records.


Posted by: Wolfman

The Springfield Republican Parking Watchdogs, on the beat and on the street. Once again sacrificing the opportunity to provide useful news and instead going with a dramatic expose on the sins of where you leave your car as it affects one of their employees. Funny how they never seem to publish any other types of parking related altercations unless there's a hint of cop involved. Pathetic.


Posted by: JoninNH

"Jessica Hill, a free-lance photographer ... has been contacted twice by police and is attempting to find time in her schedule to meet with department personnel at the station."

Thats laughable. A freelance photographer, alleges she was "accosted" by two officers or imposters, and can't find the time to meet with the police department??? You've got to be kidding me.

"Oh, no, I'm sorry Chief, I can't make it at 11 o'clock, I'm covering a racial profiling at the airport. No, two o'clock isn't good either, I've got an exclusive on the meter maid ticket quota"

She must be a very busy freelancer... do we have a female Jayson Blair here?


Posted by: Bravo2060

His dogs were on the run and mauled a girl? Isn't that reason enough to leave work without a suspension?

Providing he let someone know of course....


Posted by: Wolfman

His dogs were on the run 7 years ago and that has exactly what to do with someone getting flustered about a parking space? For Pete's sake, we can't even go to a ticket appeal and testify that a defendant has 12 speeding tickets on his record - I guess the media makes the rules in the court of public opinion.

Somehow I see "Parking Rage" being the next big buzzword. I can only imagine what would have happened if this poor innocent victim had started whaling her horn at a Navigator full of urban thugs. My guess would be that the thugs would be calling her much worse than "Bitch" as they proceeded to disassemble her vehicle with ball bats. In that case, I'm sure she would have welcomed a carload of "illegally parked" offduty cops.


Posted by: bbelichick

This is typical Union News B.S. Every time they write a story about a cop, they go out of their way to add in every unrelated detail they can to make the guy look bad. A typical Union News story would be:

Trooper is "Loud", Complainants Say

Trooper Tom Jones of Springfield was the subject of a "loud noise" complaint at his residence on Thursday according to documents obtained from Springfield Police via the Freedom of Information act. A neighbor called and reported that Jones was mowing his lawn around noon and the mower was "very loud". Jones, who 15 years ago was investigated by his wife for burping without saying "excuse me", has also been the subject of a civilian complaint alleging his involvement in UFO kidnappings. Although Jones was exonerated of that charge and was actually on vacation in Hawaii at the time of the incident, the complainant later restated these charges by calling the Art Bell radio show. The Union News has filed for further information on Jones; including the records related to how often Jones waxes his cruiser, if he is late paying the barracks coffee fund and the waist size of his uniform trousers. Please follow this story next week in our 5 part series "Above the Law? Massachusetts State Police and their loud Lawn Equipment".


Posted by: Bravo2060

I'm sick and tired of these Clinton loving Kerry voting liberals and their bullshite complaints.

I don't know what kind of place East Windsor is but I'm pretty sure it's not a Springfield. Let her pull that shite in the city... as already pointed out... with the Navigator full of "dogs"
They'll take her for a little ride.... before they tell her how they feel.

That's why I don't get too angry with these b.s. type complaints,
it will catch up to her, it always does.

I have never been to Springfield but in the Metropolitan Boston area, hydrants are not across the street from each other. They're usually on the same side of the street and so many feet apart....No?

Also, what free- lance photographer does not carry a camera with her?
I'm sure she has a picture of the cop's car and his reg# on the hydrant...No?


On another note, why do new guys keep flashing their badges? They should devote a whole day at the academy on badge flashing.

Booze, women and badge flashing get more guys in trouble...not necessarily in that order.


Posted by: Killjoy

And the media have the conjones to question why the police generally don't like/and or cooperate with them....probably because you rub our faces in sh*t at the earliest opportunity!!! The media questions the way everyone does everything, yet if you question their methods/and or motivations, you are violating the first amendment! Who really watches the so-called watchmen?


Posted by: Brian823

Quote:
Booze, women and badge flashing get more guys in trouble...not necessarily in that order.
From a veteran Boston Cop (academy instructor):

"You can use your badge to get more than one piece of _ _ _ but it only takes one piece of _ _ _ to get your badge."

A whiskey glass and a woman's _ _ _ have gotten many officers in trouble.

It's absolutely true (re: badge flashing off-duty) - you can get away with so much more as a private citizen - once the tin comes out - you might as well be in uniform and on-duty - Dept. standards of conduct apply.

Guys involved in off-duty incidents / confrontations are often too quick to say "I'm a cop..." at the wrong time (and in front of the wrong people).


Posted by: USMCTrooper

I had my first experience with "METRO CRIME PREVENTION" today. Anyone else dealt with them or heard of them? Based out of Worc it seems


Posted by: fscpd907

In Framingham we have "DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION". They drive white Crown Vic's that look just like MBTA PD cruisers. They have full duty belts: 2 sets of cuffs, PR24 baton, OC, gun. The uniform looks more "police" than most area departments: clam shell badge, Commonwealth seal collar pins, cover.

They "patrol" two apartment complex buildings on Rt. 9 and work security at a 24 hour store.


Posted by: davespd

I live in Marlborough and have seen these district crime prevention cars several times. One night I was driving my girlfriends Jetta to pick up dinner. One of the district crime prevention cars was behind me on route 20, visibility was bad due to rain and the district crime prevention car was tailing me, I thought it was a cruiser. When I pulled into the restaurant to grab dinner the district crime prevention car pulled in behind me. I have a short haircut and there is a visible MPA sticker on my girlfreinds car. The guy driving the district crime prevention car stared at me and then I began staring back and walked towards him and he drove off.

I looked up dristrict crime prevention in the phone book and it stated that all employees are all "police trained".


Posted by: ryan933

I also live in Marlborough, but I have yet to see any "District Crime Prevention" cars. These cars do not have blue lights, correct? I would think not given they are only security guards.

Ryan


Posted by: Gil

Dean Ricciardi
District Crime Prevention
PO Box 4212
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
US
508 756 0343
508 757 4507

District Crime Prevention
"Serving All Of Massachusetts"
(50 841-9900
http://www.districtcrime.com
districtcp@msn.com


Posted by: fscpd907

ryan933

The District Crime Prevention cars have green and white lights.

They also have a K-9 unit


Posted by: Deuce

Quote:
Originally Posted by USMCTrooper
I had my first experience with "METRO CRIME PREVENTION" today. Anyone else dealt with them or heard of them? Based out of Worc it seems
These guys are your typical wanna bes. They wear the full gettup and have patches that look way too similar to our patches. Most of my dealings with them are when the kids up in the Tatnuck area get spunky and they call. Unfortunately a lot of people mistake them for the police. A while ago a route guy took a complaint from a juvenile female alleging an indecent A&B. Security boy told her he was a cop. She also alleged he's told other females this in the past. Don't know where that incident ended up.. I'm pretty sure their office is out of a commercial building at 70 James St. Worcester.. Kinda shadey IMO...


Posted by: Gil

Reminds me of a security company in Boston, not sure what project they where working but I do remember BPD calling HQ and said they where assisting MSP in a foot pursuit. Turned out the supposed MSP was actually a security officer who's company issued them uniforms similar to MSP. The funny thing is this kid is in foot pursuit with no arrest powers.


Posted by: Irish Wampanoag

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil
Reminds me of a security company in Boston, not sure what project they where working but I do remember BPD calling HQ and said they where assisting MSP in a foot pursuit. Turned out the supposed MSP was actually a security officer who's company issued them uniforms similar to MSP. The funny thing is this kid is in foot pursuit with no arrest powers.

Longwood Security!!!!!
In a separate incident with this company a security officer walked through a Boston project with his uniform on (in the early 90s when gangs were at their peek) and the gang bangers saw him and thought he was a state police officer. The gang bangers wanting to make a name for themselves, stabbed and shot the security officer. I think it happened in the Mission Hill Projects not sure though.


Posted by: USMCTrooper

Quote:
Originally Posted by fscpd907
In Framingham we have "DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION". They drive white Crown Vic's that look just like MBTA PD cruisers. They have full duty belts: 2 sets of cuffs, PR24 baton, OC, gun. The uniform looks more "police" than most area departments: clam shell badge, Commonwealth seal collar pins, cover.

The District Crime Prevention cars have green and white lights.



I took some flak months back about enforcing misuse of the Great Seal In reality, it happens often. I feel its our business to watch out for this kind of thing esp in a Post 9/11 world.

I checked and Metro Crime Prevention (AKA ALB Enterprises) has a past complaint on file with the MSP Certification Unit for.....Misuse of the State Seal. In this recent incident last week, this employee of the company had 2 white stickers the size of your palm on driver & passenger window with blue letters "METRO CRIME PREVENTION" and the State Seal in blue. The business card looked to me like it bore the Worcester PD patch (also with State Seal on it). The guy said he needed lights to direct traffic at basketball games He was driving a 93 Crown Vic with green strobes mounted under rear view mirror, mics on dash, multi whips, etc etc. In all fairness it was his own car and during the stop I phoned the owner. Employee says one thing, employer says another.......


Long and short of it....gig to this guy for having green strobes w/out Permit (540 CMR 22.06 [2c]) and written report for State Seal usage by company to MSP Cert Unit. If you have a security company using it in
advertising and you charge them, use 264-5. If they wear it on a uniform or mark up vehicles or equipment, use 147-29. At the very least, quote these MGL's and get on the owner to correct himself. I am a proponent of calling MSP Cert. Unit and checking any company out. Your complaint may be the straw that breaks the camel's back...


Posted by: dcs2244

Funny...back in the late 70's, when I was in college and working as a Pinkerton guard, I didn't need a blue (or red) light to direct traffic at Eaton Corporation in Batavia: we controlled the intersection at "quitting time".


Posted by: USMCTrooper

1870's??? Must have been a founding member of Pinkerton eh?


Posted by: tomahawk

From DCP's website:

Quote:
District Crime Prevention works closely with Massachusetts State and Local Police to protect your property. We will pursue any court action that may arise from an incident on your property.
-Mike


Posted by: Doughnut33

Along the lines of Security being mistaken for police (perhaps not where this topic meant to go), i've always been a little curious about Alliance Security? My general understanding was that some of them are Boston Specials, work some housing project and have recently gotten some (!?)media attention. I was content with knowing that until I recently noticed their vehicles outside of Boston. Does anybody know what kinds of accounts they contract? I truly don't mean to stir the S#it--I poked around here and noticed a similar inquiry was put to rest very quickly.


Posted by: JP64

Alliance security works the HUD housing contracts in Boston I think, as well as other sites in eastern MA, I think a lot of industrial stuff. They have to go to a 200 hour Boston special police officer course to get certified as such. Two of their officers were involved in a shooting in Boston recently, when one was dragged by a vehicle (again, I think).

District Crime www.districtcrime.com works the Pru, (at least they used to) and has a lot of MetroWest sites. They drove white CV's with a ten inch blue stripe. The MBTA clones were Maximum Security, I used to see them in Waltham all the time.


Posted by: Doughnut33

Thanks for the reply; i'm pretty sure I read a Globe article mentioning that both guards were treated at the BID for leg injuries.


Posted by: fed0202

I work in central ma. I've spoke with a few of the guys from District Crime Prevention. surprisingly, they are a pretty squared away outfit. Most of their guards are part and full time P.O.’s. All have the brown book academy. I have heard some stuff about the metro company. I don’t know their story.


Posted by: Killjoy

Quote:
Most of their guards are part and full time P.O.’s
I find it difficult to believe any full time PO would work as a security guard. Kinda like lawyer working as a para-legal in his spare time or a doctor working as an EMT on his days off.....


Posted by: Deuce

Quote:
Originally Posted by fed0202
I work in central ma. I've spoke with a few of the guys from District Crime Prevention. surprisingly, they are a pretty squared away outfit. Most of their guards are part and full time P.O.’s. All have the brown book academy. I have heard some stuff about the metro company. I don’t know their story.
April fools, right?


Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deuce
April fools, right?
Easy, Deuce. We're all cops, right?




Posted by: fed0202

a few guys on my department do private security work. one owns a body guard agency and does work for the centrum. some guys need the money and don't want to work details. (freeze & sweat) Some guys have child support payments to make !!!! LOL
i think its a good thing


Posted by: USMCTrooper

Quote:
Originally Posted by fed0202
a few guys on my department do private security work. one owns a body guard agency and does work for the centrum. some guys need the money and don't want to work details. (freeze & sweat) Some guys have child support payments to make !!!! LOL
i think its a good thing
I think its a bad thing, especially where the lines get obscured. To have cops work security invites them to behave like cops when things hit the fan-its natural to expect it. Out of state/out of country-they have no police authority so any attempt perform police duties is moot, but IN state, a local cop working "security" somewhere in his city sees a crime he knows is a crime-does he act as security guard or an off duty cop? Once he is outside his city, he is a private citizen who happens to be employed as a cop. As for a Trooper to do it, its even worse and I suspect why its written in our Policy you CANT DO IT in Massachusetts.


Posted by:

Quote:
Originally Posted by USMCTrooper
As for a Trooper to do it, its even worse and I suspect why its written in our Policy you CANT DO IT in Massachusetts.
I maybe mistaken and please correct me if I'm which is why I'm asking for the correct answer. I thought state troopers could work security for extra money as long as its ok'd by the COL or some higher up???


Posted by: Killjoy

Quote:
think its a bad thing, especially where the lines get obscured.
I agree fully, when a cop works at security guard, he works for an employer, not the state or city that employs him on his "on duty" time. This employer IS assuming all liability for the actions of this of duty police officer, and when push comes to shove, don't you think the guy is going to fall back on his police mindset and training, not a security guard mentality. If this cop takes it beyond the scope of his duties (what his employer requires of him), especially in a town he's not employed in, things could get awful dicey for an employer. Say an officer from town X works part time as a security guard for Wal-Mart in town Y. Say he witnesses a purse snatching and chases the guy off premises, tackles him to the ground, recovers the victim's purse, and holds him until the cops from town Y arrive to assist. Win-Win, right? WRONG! If the perp gets so much as a scratch, expect a large civil suit against yourself and your employer, because the company policy of Wal-Mart prohibits off-premises apprehensions and detentions. As a police officer we become used to the idea that we stand for the law and city or state that employs us, as a security guard you represent the interests of your employer, period, and often times the employer would rather have you look the other way. Even if this were to occur in the town you were employed in, YOU might be safe from civil litigation, but your employer might still be liable for employing you.


Posted by: Deuce

Quote:
Originally Posted by fed0202
a few guys on my department do private security work. one owns a body guard agency and does work for the centrum. some guys need the money and don't want to work details. (freeze & sweat) Some guys have child support payments to make !!!! LOL
i think its a good thing
Not for Worcester right??? Big policy violation, your not covered under IOD and working security at the Centrum doesn't pay more than working a pay job...


Posted by: texdep

The direction this thread is going reminds me of another reason why the statewide powers for police officers in ma bill could be a problem.

In Texas where there was statewide powers for all po's it was common practice for cops to buy a generic "Texas Peace Officer" badge and patches. Put them on a uniform of their own design and then go out and solicit work as security at bars, dance halls, strip clubs, malls, etc. Heck, I did it myself, only I specialized in doing escorts for funeral processions. My main competition was from a couple of cops who invested in black motorcycles and had put together realy good looking dress black uniforms. ( I had lucked out in that my boss(elected) thought that what I did was good visability so authorized me to wear dept uniform and use my take-home cruiser as long as I paid for my own gas.)

Well to my point. Can you imagine the sh*t that would fly if for example cops from a smaller town like let's say Sterling started doing bar-room work in Worcester. With statewide powers it would be legal(but stupid).


Posted by: texdep

Did I "kill" this thread or what? I've never had the "last word" before!!!


Posted by: Gil

Quincy man faces charges of impersonating a police officer
Monday April 26, 2004
BOSTON (AP) A Quincy man faces charges of impersonating a police officer after he pulled over a plain-clothed state trooper in an unmarked cruiser, flashed a badge and accused the trooper of trying to run him off the road.

Peter J. Moffitt, 29, who missed an earlier court appearance, was to be arraigned on Monday in Dorchester District Court.

According to a police report, Moffitt, who works as a security guard at Harbor Point in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, stopped Sgt. Scott R. Collins on Morrissey Boulevard last November and told Collins that he ``almost ran him off the road three times.'' Collins later denied Moffitt's assertion.

Collins said that when he asked Moffitt if he was a police officer, Moffitt said ``follow me,'' and drove onto the campus of the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Collins then turned on his cruiser's siren and blue lights, identified himself as a state police trooper and informed Moffitt he would cite him for impersonating a police officer.

Collins said Moffitt later apologized.

``He state that he was sorry, and that his grandfather had passed away, and that he was upset,'' Collins wrote in his report. ``I told him he had no right stopping people, displaying his badge.''

State officials referred questions about the matter to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, which declined comment.

The Boston Globe contacted Moffitt on Sunday night, but he said he needed time to think before he commented.

=========
Can you imagine Moffitt's expression when the blues went on...


Posted by: Anonymous

There is another article in todays herald on the topic.


Posted by: Killjoy

The wingnuts just keep popping their heads up!!!


Posted by: RPD931

Not the brightest bulb...

Suozzi official charged with DWI & impersonating a top cop
NEWS12.COM
Updated: 1:53 p.m. ET May 11, 2004


(05/10/04) OYSTER BAY - A Nassau County government official has been charged with driving while intoxicated and trying to pass himself off as a deputy police commissioner.

Nassau police said William Jantzen, of Glen Cove, was stopped in Oyster Bay Saturday night after police received a call that a white car had hit a parked car at the intersection of Hill and Wood drives and drove off.

Jantzen was found in his car a few blocks away, said police. Officers said he had slurred speech, glassy eyes and alcohol on his breath. Jantzen allegedly refused to take a sobriety test.

Officers said Jantzen, who is the director of facilities management for the county Department of Public Works, told them he was a deputy police commissioner. He refused to hand over his license and registration, according to police.

Jantzen was charged with DWI, criminal impersonation and leaving the scene of an accident.


Posted by: Gil

GLENDALE , Ariz. – Glendale Police arrested a suspect Wednesday afternoon, after he impersonated a police officer by conducting a traffic stop on an 18-year-old woman in the area of 59 th Avenue and W. Olive.

Shortly before 11:30 Wednesday morning, Officer Bill Scheckel responded to a suspicious vehicle call in the 6000 block of Glendale Avenue. Officer Scheckel approached a man sitting in a 1994 silver Cadillac with two broken windows. The man said that he was at the location to get his windows replaced after they were broken out sometime during the night.

A police report was then taken and the man left the area.

Wednesday afternoon Officer Bill Scheckel responded to a call that an 18-year-old high school student had been pulled over by a man at 59th Avenue and Olive in a silver Cadillac with broken windows. According to the victim, a red emergency light on the dashboard of the suspect vehicle was used to get the victim to pull over. The suspect asked the victim a few questions and began acting suspicious. The suspect then reached out and grabbed the victim inappropriately in the chest area. The victim then left the area when the suspect failed to show a police badge. With the suspect vehicle description fitting the same as Scheckel previous contact earlier, patrol officers then responded to the suspect’s apartment where he was located.

The victim was able to identify the suspect and he was placed under arrest.

Butch Ephrim of Glendale was booked for impersonating a police officer, sex abuse and has a warrant out of California.

http://www.kpho.com/Global/story.asp...p;nav=23KuSDqk


Posted by: Mikey682

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil @ Thu 21 Oct, 2004 12:06
and has a warrant out of California.
oops...guess that didnt come up the first time? hehe i bet that cops face was a little red


Posted by: topcop14

I know I might be beating a dead horse here as it has not been discussed in a while but District Crime Prevention was a squared away security company, or as close as one could be. Ya they did have and I am sure they do still have a wanna be problem with some of there employees but what security company doesn't. And yes they did have some full time and retired POs working for them. The full timers were the type that worked details all day, worked a few security shifts and worked their regular shift.
And yes I did do some work for them myself, But I was picky about what assignment I would accept. I mainly worked plain close escorting the Visiting nurses to the nasty areas of Worcester.
And for the record One of the owners is a Massachusetts State Trooper.


Posted by: USMCTrooper

DENVER -- A bill expected to be signed by Gov. Bill Owens soon will increase the penalty for anyone caught impersonating a police officer.

The bill was passed as a result of last year's brutal murder of University of Northern Colorado student Lacy Miller. She was pulled over by a man impersonating an undercover police officer.

Jason Clausen, 22, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and then killing Miller. He was a former Explorer Scout at the Fort Collins Police Department.


However, the bill may mean the end of the Colorado Mounted Rangers, a quasi-law enforcement group that wears police-type uniforms with badges and whose members use red flashing lights on their personal vehicles.

The volunteer police organization helps local authorities direct traffic and control crowds during emergencies and have about 250 members throughout Colorado. They take their name from the original Colorado Mounted Rangers, which began in 1861 and were similar to the Texas Rangers, having statewide law enforcement jurisdiction.

A new measure to exempt the rangers moved to the full House Thursday, but some lawmakers aren't happy with the effort.

"It's an obvious end-run around House Bill 1003, the police impersonation bill, as well as (police training) requirements for certification for peace officers," Larimer County Sheriff James Alderden told the Durango Herald. "It appears that this group is pushing legislation to give them all the trappings that go along with being a certified peace officer with none of the accountability."

Alderden is president of the Colorado Sheriffs of Colorado.

The new bill's sponsor, Rep. Bill Sinclair, R-Colorado Springs, told the Herald that the rangers are a "remarkable volunteer force" that must not be thrown away. He said it is especially important to keep organizations like the rangers in light of homeland defense.

Sinclair's bill allows rangers to wear uniforms, carry police-type badges, and equip their vehicles with red and clear flashing lights when performing their duties. It also allows rangers to provide armed security, assist in crowd and traffic control and perform search-and-rescue activities. However, it does not require rangers to pass training under the Colorado Peace Officers Standards and Training Board, which is responsible for certifying Colorado law-enforcement officers and reserve officers.


Posted by: Doughnut33

If anyone's interested...

http://coloradorangers.org/


Posted by: fscpd907

Man charged with impersonating officer
By Associated Press
Saturday, December 4, 2004

NORTH ANDOVER -- Eric Williams had police badges, handcuffs and replica police pistols. Neighbors said he wore a SWAT uniform and even had an unmarked cruiser with flashing red-and-blue lights and a police license plate.

Even his girlfriend believed the 22-year-old was a deputy sheriff in Norfolk County, investigators say.

But Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti told the Eagle-Tribune that Williams' only affiliation with his department was as an inmate in the county jail.

"He can't be dealing in reality if he doesn't think this wasn't going to be discovered," Bellotti told the newspaper.

Police said they plan to charge Williams with impersonating an officer. He's currently out on bail on an unrelated motor vehicle larceny charge.

"I never represented myself as a police officer or impersonated a police officer," Williams said.

He said he outfitted the car -- a former Michigan State Police cruiser that he bought in New Hampshire -- to sell it on the Internet. He said he got the license plate from a sheriff's department employee in exchange for a Red Sox ticket.

But police say the plate was stolen from a sheriff's department vehicle.

Williams, who was released from the county jail in March, has a lengthy criminal record that includes stealing cars and assaulting a police officer, Bellotti said.


Posted by: KozmoKramer

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doughnut33 @ Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:11 pm
If anyone's interested...
http://coloradorangers.org/
LMAO!! John Candy as a Cop-ah wannabe...
"Sorry Sir the parks closed, the moose outside shoulda told ya..."...



Posted by: reno911_2004





My hero!!


Posted by: Sgt.berniedo

Yes, it should be -he was un-Wrapping them.


Posted by: KozmoKramer

Quote:
Originally Posted by reno911_2004 @ Sat Dec 04, 2004 2:03 pm

My hero!!
RENO - isn't that the guy who sings "Are You Ready For Some Football!!...."?:P
Man, he could scare small children..
He's got the "frisk ya" gloves on and everything......


Posted by: reno911_2004

I can't really make it out, but if you look real close at his name tag, it says "Chester the Moles..." something.


Posted by: southiestyle

Reno- you have WAY to much time on your hands!!


Posted by: HazardCounty

Man busted for impersonating cop

By Crystal C. Bozek

LEOMINSTER -- Police say a Lancaster man walked around The Mall at Whitney Field Sunday afternoon carrying a loaded .44 caliber handgun and a gold badge.

The man also wore a black leather jacket and told officers he worked secretly for a government agency.

But police say Jayson Tetreault, 31, is just a possible shoplifter with a fake law enforcement badge, according to reports.

Police arrested Tetreault, of 123 Narrow Lane, for impersonating a police officer, carrying a dangerous weapon, and possessing a firearm without an identification card or license.

"We take this very seriously. His firearm was loaded," Sgt. Michael Ciccolini said Monday evening. "This isn't a frequent call we'd get at all. ... This guy was very suspicious."

Police stopped him next to Radio Shack.

Tetreault told Sgt. Mark Amico he was sanctioned to carry his gun and badge by government agencies he could not name, according to police reports.

But police say he has no license to carry the gun or ammunition.

"He began dropping names of known law enforcement personnel, stating they could vouch for him and attempted to get those individuals on the phone," Amico wrote in reports.

Tetreault also explained he couldn't say too much for fear of getting in trouble.

Amico asked why Tetreault would visibly display his badge and gun in a crowded mall on a Sunday if his work was undercover.

Mall security said he flashed the badge to several different people while walking the mall.

Tetreault did not have an answer for police and could not reach any law enforcement personnel to confirm his story.

District Court Judge Arthur Haley released him on personal recognizance bail from Leominster District Court Monday.

Tetreault wore a nylon type police utility belt equipped with a flashlight, pepper spray, a small pouch, and a Smith and Wesson handgun holstered on his right hip, according to reports.

He carried 15 rounds of ammunition.

His badge read: "Bail Enforcement Agent."

Officer Louis Viola had responded to Filene's earlier that afternoon to view a store video of Tetreault and another man possibly shoplifting clothing, making several trips between the store and their red pickup truck, according to reports.


Posted by: Foxracingmtnridr

OK so the guy walked around the mall Impersonating a PO and the friggin judge let's him go on his own recognizance. What a F'in retard. Augh I'm soo sick of this state.

Scott


Posted by: Sgt.berniedo

Quote:
Originally Posted by SAPD @ Tue 07 Dec, 2004 16:26
OK so the guy walked around the mall Impersonating a PO and the friggin judge let's him go on his own recognizance. What a F'in retard. Augh I'm soo sick of this state.

Scott
Maybe they gave him his gun and badge back, too.


Posted by: SOT

Must have had a CIA get out of jail free cards...the kind they give out to their SOG folks. I also think he may have been married to Morgan Fairchild, yeah yeah...that's her.






Quote:
Originally Posted by SAPD @ Tue 07 Dec, 2004 16:26
OK so the guy walked around the mall Impersonating a PO and the friggin judge let's him go on his own recognizance. What a F'in retard. Augh I'm soo sick of this state.

Scott



Posted by: mpd61

Christmas shopping brings out the diversity of the denizens of this fine commonwealth.
At least this guy didn't have a sheriff's badge.



Posted by: reno911_2004

Bail Enforcement Agent? Like as seen on "Dog the Bounty Hunter"?


Posted by: FiXXXer024

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mshaw166
Then they asked for our help to repo a car with them.
My typical response to repos when they come to the station looking for help...

Q: Do you have the car?
A: No

Q: Do you need directions?
A: No

Then come back when you get the car.
oh man, be nice to the repo guys i towed for three years and sometimes it just ain't fun... repos and trespasses especially when there isnt an S/O or P/O watching your back... picture trying to make a couple of arrests off a traffic stop alone on a desolate road at 1am with two big drunk 22 year old meatheads in the car just rearing for a fight... and no backup... it's kinda like that haha, it aint fun at all...


Posted by: JoninNH

Quote:
Originally Posted by reno911_2004
Bail Enforcement Agent? Like as seen on "Dog the Bounty Hunter"?
I caught an episode or two of that show... did you see the one where Dog's kid (i think it's his son) crys after his "first recovery"? He folds up the wanted poster and crys, "I am going to keep this forever. I got this bad guy off the street." or something like that. I hate that show.

Hey we have some people from Florida on this board, yes? I have a question for you... a few weeks back some punk kid flashed a badge in a bar I was drinking at when they asked him for ID. The bartender laughed at the kid and the kid left. From what I saw the badge was of the Florida Sheriffs Association or Florida Sheriffs Organization. Either one of those organizations legit? What was the likelyhood that the kid was actually a florida sheriff's deputy?


Posted by: stm4710

Quote:
Originally Posted by KozmoKramer
Quote:
Originally Posted by reno911_2004 @ Sat Dec 04, 2004 2:03 pm

My hero!!
RENO - isn't that the guy who sings "Are You Ready For Some Football!!...."?:P
Man, he could scare small children..
He's got the "frisk ya" gloves on and everything......
If this clown got out of the car that pulled me over, I would take off again with a nice birdie out the window.


Posted by: JoninNH

If you go to the website they state, "The Colorado Rangers are neither a security company nor a law enforcement agency but a unique organization of highly trained individuals who may be deputized by any law enforcement agency in the state of Colorado."

Then you go to the equipment page http://coloradorangers.org/equipment.htm

Scary shit.


Posted by: copcreamer

Since when did Somerville Aux. start wearing green shirts? LOL


Posted by: Investigator25

In framIngham we have "dIstrIct crIme preventIon". they drIve whIte crown vIc's that look just lIke mbta pd cruIsers. they have full duty belts: 2 sets of cuffs, pr24 baton, oc, gun. the unIform looks more "polIce" than most area departments: clam shell badge, commonwealth seal collar pIns, cover. shocked

they "patrol" two apartment complex buIldIngs on rt. 9 and work securIty at a 24 hour store.

these guy's are IdIots. I've run Into them In boston and other places. one owner Is a trooper, he's not the brIghtest guy I've ever met. as good as the msp Is, I guess occasIonally one falls through the cracks. the other owner Is a hospItal securIty guard. he's about as much of a whacker as you can get. most of the people they employ are 100% whackers/


Posted by: mpd61

Quote:
Originally Posted by Investigator25
these guy's are IdIots. he's about as much of a whacker as you can get. most of the people they employ are 100% whackers/
Whackers! I love it



Posted by: BigDog15

Watch out for "Metro Crime Prevention" and "District Crime Prevention". Worcester has had problems with both companies with thier employees impersonating police officers. I was off duty last month and at a shopping plaza in Worcester when I saw two of the whackers working a CVS security post. One of the nitwits was yelling at a young kid who was skateboarding. I walked by and asked the other guard who wasn't yelling who they were and he said "We are with Worcester PD, all set, move on". It got real interesting after that...................

F'n losers


Posted by: BigDog15

Quote:
Originally Posted by Investigator25
one owner Is a trooper, he's not the brIghtest guy I've ever met. as good as the msp Is, I guess occasIonally one falls through the cracks. the other owner Is a hospItal securIty guard. he's about as much of a whacker as you can get. most of the people they employ are 100% whackers/
Yes, true, the owner of District is a trooper who graduated from the last class (29 yoa)and the owner of Metro is a former Worcester PD Auxillary who got thrown out of the Worcester PD full-time academy a while back after they found out he lied about his residency on the civil service exam. I know first hand from run-ins with these companies, they are a bunch of wanna-be cops who don't have a clue. Watch out.


Posted by: mpd61

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigDog15
Quote:
Originally Posted by Investigator25
one owner Is a trooper, he's not the brIghtest guy I've ever met. as good as the msp Is, I guess occasIonally one falls through the cracks. the other owner Is a hospItal securIty guard. he's about as much of a whacker as you can get. most of the people they employ are 100% whackers/
they are a bunch of wanna-be cops who don't have a clue. Watch out.
I like to whack "whackers" with my M-1 garand



Posted by: USMCTrooper

I stopped a privately owned red Crown Vic out here with 5 inch diameter door seals saying " Metro Crime Prevention " with the State coat of arms in middle. They were white with blue lettering. I have almost 20 years on my job and even I thought it might be some form of state govt I hadn't encountered yet. Long story short- a lengthy call to the owner and one to the MSP Cert Unit was warranted. The guy also had whip ant., mics mounted to dash and green light on rear deck and forward facing under rear view mirror. He was gigged accordingly. I have caught some crap from people on here about invoking a little known law about who can and cannot use the State seal on a uniform but as someone here just pointed out-they look more like cops than real cops. That right there should be highly suspect. So what if its a barely known law? Its one way we have of keeping these types in line and avoid bad press against US-since the avg John Q Citizen would't necessarily know the difference.....


Posted by: Deuce

Quote:
Originally Posted by USMCTrooper
I stopped a privately owned red Crown Vic out here with 5 inch diameter door seals saying " Metro Crime Prevention " with the State coat of arms in middle. They were white with blue lettering. I have almost 20 years on my job and even I thought it might be some form of state govt I hadn't encountered yet. Long story short- a lengthy call to the owner and one to the MSP Cert Unit was warranted. The guy also had whip ant., mics mounted to dash and green light on rear deck and forward facing under rear view mirror. He was gigged accordingly. I have caught some crap from people on here about invoking a little known law about who can and cannot use the State seal on a uniform but as someone here just pointed out-they look more like cops than real cops. That right there should be highly suspect. So what if its a barely known law? Its one way we have of keeping these types in line and avoid bad press against US-since the avg John Q Citizen would't necessarily know the difference.....
Last I remember you were in court proceedings . Anything come of this?


Posted by: USMCTrooper

Not with Metro Crime Prevention. The case involves a former constable and is in the motion phase (still) brought by the defense since Sept. Thats about all I can say at this time....


Posted by: Foxracingmtnridr

Quote:
Originally Posted by copcreamer";p=&quot View Post
Since when did Somerville Aux. start wearing green shirts? LOL
Since when did the cambridge auxiliary actually do anything other then waste gas and tie up a good cruiser?

Our shirts are still gray and we don't have Charlie Daniels working for us

Scott


Posted by: frank

Quote:
Originally Posted by SAPD";p=&quot View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by copcreamer";p=&quot View Post
Since when did Somerville Aux. start wearing green shirts? LOL
Since when did the cambridge auxiliary actually do anything other then waste gas and tie up a good cruiser?
Doh. If I knew the guy was from Cambridge, I was going to ask them when was the last time they busted a car thief with the Lojack system in their auxillary cruiser.


Posted by: Foxracingmtnridr

Quote:
Originally Posted by frank";p=&quot View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by SAPD";p=&quot View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by copcreamer";p=&quot View Post
Since when did Somerville Aux. start wearing green shirts? LOL
Since when did the cambridge auxiliary actually do anything other then waste gas and tie up a good cruiser?
Doh. If I knew the guy was from Cambridge, I was going to ask them when was the last time they busted a car thief with the Lojack system in their auxillary cruiser.
We should steal the LoJack System out of Cambridge's Aux. Cruiser and put it in our Cruiser.


Scott


Posted by: DB82

Gotta admit, present worker for District Crime Prevention. YES we have some whackers, only if you knew half of it. I refuse to drive those toilets that we got lettered up. Not all of us DCP guys are that bad. Hopefully, I'll be getting a real job soon.


Posted by: reno911_2004

Quote:
Originally Posted by DB82";p=&quot View Post
Gotta admit, present worker for District Crime Prevention. YES we have some whackers, only if you knew half of it. I refuse to drive those toilets that we got lettered up. Not all of us DCP guys are that bad. Hopefully, I'll be getting a real job soon.
Admitting you have a problem is the first step...


Posted by: copcreamer

No Camb. aux whacker here buddy.

I only put on the suit if I'm getting paid, its navy blue but I'm sure grey looks good on you.

SAPD busy place, picking up prisoner meals from the Mt. Vernon and, oh thats it, I forgot. How many reg SPD PO even talk to you, right none.

What are you going to do with a LOJACK, pull a car over, get in a pursuit. "Car 201 disregard that stolen MV and go check the Healy School."

Want to impress me, give me any stats from the past 5 years for your whole aux dept. Right, none.

Like the Barber said, . . . NEXT


Posted by: redpara

Former District worker; yes admitting the problem is the first step to recovery...

The company actually had potential to carve a good position in the local security industry. Their first mistake was the uniform, very easy to be mistaken for a cop. While I was there, they had some good accounts including plain cloths stuff.

If they stuck to that type of work, with the proper employees (off duty cops, former military who could actually prove their backgrounds) doing private security escorts, personal security details etc. They would probably gain some respect (and pay more as those accounts are profitable as all hell).


Posted by: Investigator25

Weren't there 2 guy's that owned District Crime Prev.? I thought one went to State Police and the other was a hospital security guard. I heard the guy who worked at the hospital started his own railroad police dept. for some 2 town railroad in Mass. He appointed himself chief of police, but he's also the only employee.


Posted by: DB82

Yeah two owners, State Trooper not sure which part of the state. and the other does work for a hospital. As for the RR no idea.

Loosin easy work sites


Posted by: Gil

Officer Impersonation
Associated Press

Colorado lawmakers made impersonating a police officer a felony last year, increasing the penalties to two years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The toughened law followed the killing of 20-year-old University of Northern Colorado student Lacy Miller in 2003.
Other jurisdictions may have to consider following suit.

Over the past six weeks or so, authorities say men have posed as police officers in Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Virginia.

Authorities say motorists leery about being stopped should put on their flashers and drive slowly to a populated or well-lit area.


Posted by: Foxracingmtnridr

Quote:
Originally Posted by copcreamer";p=&quot View Post
No Camb. aux whacker here buddy.

I only put on the suit if I'm getting paid, its navy blue but I'm sure grey looks good on you.

SAPD busy place, picking up prisoner meals from the Mt. Vernon and, oh thats it, I forgot. How many reg SPD PO even talk to you, right none.

What are you going to do with a LOJACK, pull a car over, get in a pursuit. "Car 201 disregard that stolen MV and go check the Healy School."

Want to impress me, give me any stats from the past 5 years for your whole aux dept. Right, none.

Like the Barber said, . . . NEXT
So you pull the holier then thou thing huh?

What do you wear the blues at cambridge city?

Scott


Posted by: fed0202

The DCP owners are two squared away guys. They've got a good thing going on. All the way to the bank. Yes they are both full time P.O.s


Posted by: fscpd907

The DCP owners might in fact be squared away guys BUT the people they hire are complete boobs.


Posted by: Gil

Man suspected of impersonating officer arrested (for profit)

Associated Press
Jan. 31, 2005 05:25 PM

DPS has arrested a man suspected of impersonating a police officer in various unsolved cases dating back to 2003.

On at least three instances, DPS says 50-year-old Robert Castaneda Jr. of Cashion was seen in security surveillance video at a DPS facility, allegedly posing as an undercover police officer.

DPS believes Castaneda preyed on undocumented aliens, taking their personal property before "booking them."

Detectives say Castaneda would enter a public area of a DPS building escorting someone appearing to be "in custody." He would then leave and wouldn't return. The arrestees would then simply walk out.

Castaneda was spotted this morning in downtown Phoenix and was picked up. He's been turned over to the Phoenix Police Department for questioning in similar cases.


Posted by: Gil

Seems to be a few of these lately.......

Norman Police Investigate Fake Officer Reports
Woman Says Man Claiming To Be Officer Stops, Searches Her Vehicle

POSTED: 12:43 pm CST January 31, 2005
UPDATED: 5:12 pm CST January 31, 2005

NORMAN, Okla. -- Norman police said Monday that they have reason to believe that a man is posing as a police officer and making traffic stops throughout the city.

Police said a woman filed a report Friday, which stated that she was pulled over by a maroon Ford Crown Victoria with flashing headlights. She said the man driving the car asked the woman to sit in the back seat of his car while he searched her vehicle.

After the man finished his search, the woman said, he let her return to her car and told her she could leave. According to the report, the man was not wearing any kind of uniform and displayed no official identification.

Police are looking for a white man who is described as tall and as having a "stocky build." Police said he is clean-shaven and has short dark hair.

Norman officers said they do not use flashing headlights -- only police-issued blue and red lights. Officers said drivers should never pull over for a vehicle that is flashing its headlights.

Anyone who has had a similar experience is asked to file a report with the Norman Police Department by calling 321-1444. Citizens may also call Norman Crime Stoppers at 366-7867.


Posted by: E_Javi2

Phony New York Cop Picks The Wrong Driver


A phony cop pulled over the wrong driver - the man he stopped was a real police officer, and he didn't fall for the phony. Now Scott Bernstein is facing charges, and it turns out he's done it before.

Eyewitness News reporter Tim Fleischer has the story.

When Ramapo police impounded a car, it was equipped with red flashing lights, a siren and police radio. And the man driving it, they say, was Scott Bernstein - who's now being charged with impersonating an officer.

Det. Sgt. John Lunch, Ramapo Police Dept.: "This has been occurring over the past couple of weeks here."

In late January, on this stretch of Spook Rock Road in Wesley Hills, police charge that Bernstein flashed red lights and turned on a siren trying to get a motorist to pull over. They drove a little further eventually stopping in a driveway.

Det. Sgt. John Lunch, Ramapo Police Dept.: "Bernstein approached the motorist, ended up breaking the antenna off his car, opened the the car door attempting to pull the motorist out. The motorist at the time was on his cell phone calling 911."

He was able to leave the scene and report the incident to police, who were concerned because Bernstein's car is similar to some of their unmarked units.

About two