Send this page to someone via email

The Canadian Police Association says it’s extremely worrying how easy it is to replicate a convincing police uniform and cruiser, and its president would welcome more government control of law-enforcement gear.

Last weekend a 51-year-old denturist went on a killing spree across Nova Scotia, dressed in what’s believed to be an authentic RCMP uniform and driving a mock police cruiser.

READ MORE: Video appears to show Nova Scotia shooting suspect stop, change clothes amid killing spree

Police are still investigating how he acquired the RCMP uniform and such a convincing replica vehicle.

Association president Tom Stamatakis says it’s a federal offence to impersonate a police officer, but it’s not difficult to do if someone is very intent on it.

0:58 Surveillance video appears to show Nova Scotia shooting suspect getting out of car to change clothes Surveillance video appears to show Nova Scotia shooting suspect getting out of car to change clothes

Retail stores across the country claim to sell police gear – including uniforms, gloves and duty belts – to the public as well as police agencies, for example.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: How a real uniform and replica police car helped the Nova Scotia gunman go undetected

Stamatakis says he believes the more oversight governments can provide to make those items harder to get, the better.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2020.