No doubt there are corrupt, power-abusing cops. While they represent a small %age of the overall police force, the point is they shouldn’t exist at all. And those that exercise zero discretion are rarely met with the same strong arm of justice as the rest of us.

Terrible cops exist. They just do.

So anyways, let’s say the circumstances allow for it – you and perhaps a friend are walking down the street, doing nothing that warrants suspicion and you’re approached by a cop or 2. You know for a fact you’ve done nothing, you have nothing that a “Terry Stop” would reveal, that this is a clear case of profiling, which can often result in violence.

(this is particularly relevant to those who suffer “stop and frisk” laws – we do not, at least by statute, here in Texas)

1) Soon after you’re approached, and you (and your friend) can determine this is just an annoying shakedown, one of you, while the other distracts the “officer” with cooperation and back-and-forth delaying banter, call 911. You can do this alone as well, but you have to be quick.

2) Once the operator answers, play dumb, saturate the conversation. Explain that you think, although you’re not sure, that the individual is impersonating a police officer and unnecessarily harassing you (and your friend). Explain that you might be in danger, and before they get a chance to ask you for the officer’s badge number etc, give them the address/intersection, then say you must go, he/she/it is approaching. Hang up.

3) It’s generally the practice of police dispatchers to prioritize potentially violent crimes involving disputes between individuals over theft and things involving property only. Hopefully someone will arrive soon (lol). When they do, explain to the 3rd party that the actions of this individual do not reconcile with the Oath of Honor officers take, particularly to protect the public trust, hence your concern they may very well not be an officer.

The idea behind this is to get another person in uniform on the scene, hopefully a veteran. And to see what happens. This may or may not work in your favor, regardless, the phone call to the dispatcher is on record and indisputable. This may at least result in better outcomes for you and perhaps a conversation regarding abusive police misconduct.

So if you’re tired of harassment, try this on. You have nothing to lose and it’s not illegal.

NOTE: If you’re under the influence, not likely you’ll execute this properly, so don’t. 🙂

(addendum 12/21)

(.j.)