A report of a man impersonating a police officer in Henry County has some member of the community on edge, concerned about how to determine whether or not they’re being pulled over by a real cop.
Burlington Police Chief Doug Beaird stopped by the KBUR Talkshow on Thursday to clear up concerns. He says that the police are aware of the situation and that there are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself safe during traffic stops.
“We always recommend, especially if it’s at night, and even if there are flashing lights behind you, don’t give the impression that you’re eluding the police but try to get yourself into a well-lit area,” Beaird told hosts Steve Hexom and Rob Sussman.
Beaird also says that police tend to follow a very typical procedure when interacting with those they pull over.
“When they approach a car, they’re going to have a fairly standard set of questions,” Beaird explained, ” For example: ‘Hey, did you realize you were speeding? I’m officer Doug Beaird with the Burlington Police Department and that’s why I’m stopping you today,’ and anything outside of that norm is what you’re looking for.”
Beaird says that using Text-A-Tip or calling the police emergency number during a traffic stop can help you confirm that the person behind you is a legitimate police officer.
You can use Text-A-Tip by texting BPDTIPS to CRIMES (274637) followed by the question or tip you want to leave. Beaird says that dispatch tends to respond quickly and that they’re aware of the public’s concerns.
Police still have not found the man who allegedly impersonated the officer in Henry County. On Monday afternoon a female driver was pulled over by a man driving a car with police-like markings and flashing lights, near the Big Creek Bridge on Old Highway 34.
The driver of that vehicle was described as a white male, standing approximately 6’4″, with light brown hair and a thin build. The subject apparently asked the female driver about expired registration, and when she pointed out that her registration was up-to-date, the man returned to his vehicle and followed the female driver to the Edge of Mount Pleasant, where she then lost sight of him.
The male was driving a car similar to a Ford Crown Victoria. The victim advised that it was black on the bottom, white on the top, and had the word “Police” on the two front doors. The vehicle was equipped with blue and red flashing lights and a spotlight on the drivers side.
If you have any information or see a vehicle matching the description, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 319-385-2712.
