IMPERSONATING A POLICE VEHICLE - What to do if You are Suspicious

Coquitlam RCMP suggests the following tips to motorists who believe they are being stopped by non-legitimate police vehicle:

Slow down, drive in a safe manner to the nearest well-lit, populated area;

If this is not possible, do the following:

• Lock all doors, pull over safely and leave your vehicle running;
• If you have a cellular phone, take it out immediately, hold it in full view of the person who has pulled you over and call 911;
• Calmly give the 911 operator your location and express you concern;
• Ask the 911 operator/police dispatch if they have had any communication with a police officer about a traffic stop in your area;
• Ask 911 to relay your concerns to that law enforcement officer;
• Tell the officer, through a cracked window and locked your door that you plan to cooperate, but you have heard about police impersonators;
• Indicate that you are concerned for your safety and that you are verifying the police contact through dispatch;
• If you remain uncertain that the person who pulled you over is in fact a police officer, ask him/her if you can proceed to a more populated area;
• If he/she agrees, tell the 911 dispatched where you are heading to and proceed.