The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has been alerted to reports of possible law enforcement impersonation incidents. Two similar incidents in our area were reported involving a subject in an SUV displaying a badge and motioning to a driver to pull over. We’d like to take this opportunity to provide the community with tips to help protect you from law enforcement impersonators.

If you are not sure you are being pulled over by a legitimate law enforcement officer, you can take the following steps:

• Activate your hazards and reduce your speed to indicate to the officer you have seen them.
• Pull over in a well-lit public area and dial 911. Tell the dispatcher that you are being pulled over and provide your location.
• Roll the window down just enough to speak to the officer and keep the vehicle locked. Do not turn your car off.
• Be aware that officers will typically be in uniform. Officers in plain clothes will carry an agency issued identification card. If you are concerned, ask to see the officer’s identification card and badge.
• Make sure it is a marked police unit. If it is not a marked unit, the emergency lights should be built in and not a temporary light placed on the vehicle.
• Be suspicious if the officer immediately asks you to exit the vehicle without any preliminary questions. Officers typically begin an interaction by advising you of the reason for the stop and request driver’s license and registration.
• Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to call 911 and talk to dispatch.