Watch out for Impostors posing as Feds.

[shortylickens]

http://patch.com/florida/sarasota/s/fix0e/fake-homeland-security-officer-raising-concerns


Its not widespread or an epidemic, but it may be a good idea to call 911 any time you get pulled over and verify its a cop. They are required to check in to dispatch and run your plates before they talk to you (in case you are a dangerous criminal who might shoot them dead).
Also keep your dash cam running during the whole thing.

Once out of the vehicle, the suspect approached the victim and told him he was being stopped for speeding. The suspect identified himself as a Homeland Security officer and then asked for the man’s driver’s license and registration.

Also, someone saying they are Homeland Security when they pull you over may be suspect, as is anyone who immediately walks up to your door. Again, call 911, verify.

 

[Jaskalas]

Also, someone saying they are Homeland Security when they pull you over may be suspect, as is anyone who immediately walks up to your door. Again, call 911, verify.

Handle an object with your hands.
That's great advice for getting shot by police.

 

[kage69]

I think the odds of getting a real cop just having a bad day are probably a lot greater. In either case I think everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or age, should have a smartphone with a "cop specific" app installed and ready to go, specifically the ones that operate while the phone is locked and that immediately uploads what is recorded. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bambuser/id344600665?mt=8 By ready to go I mean the phone is in position somewhere in the car pointing at your window but not in your hands (those should be on the wheel in plain sight if you've been pulled over and have a cop approaching the vehicle).

You have the right to record officers in the public domain in all 50 states, as per the USSC - no exceptions. In my experience if you politely inform them that this encounter is being recorded for quality control purposes, as well as to protect them from any specious accusations from onlookers, officers quickly become paragons of professionalism and public service.

 

[Darwin333]

Handle an object with your hands.
That's great advice for getting shot by police.

Unfortunately you are correct.

Telling an officer you aren't going to comply even because you are verifying they are who they say they are isn't going to end well with most LEO these days.

 

[Joepublic2]

Yeah, when I get pulled over I keep my hands on the wheel and don't move until the officer walks up and tells me to do something, then I do it slowly and deliberately. Just think of them like they're twitchy asshole thugs who can get away with shooting you and you won't be too far off the mark most of the time. Probably not a bad idea to ask to see some ID if they're driving an unmarked vehicle.

The sheriff’s office also warns residents if they find themselves in situations like this one to pull into a well-lit location with witnesses.

Good advice when you're getting pulled over by real police as well.

 

[kage69]

Just think of them like they're twitchy asshole thugs who can get away with shooting you and you won't be too far off the mark most of the time.

Seeing as how LEOs rely a lot on body language for clues on a suspect's intent and relative danger level, I think that's actually some pretty shitty advice. I've been able to circumvent a whole hell of a lot of bad news precisely because I didn't chose to deal with the situation like I was viewing it through such a simple lens. This may come as a surprise to you, but the vast majority of cops resent being seen as a corrupt the same way most black people resent being seen as a thug. They're not exactly looking to fan the flames of rising tensions, but I see no reason to not air on the side of caution and documenting your encounter. Even a good cop can have a bad day, but the point is not to be the one prejudicing a situation and/or seen to be escalating it, no matter the cop. Deny them the ignition they want from you, for all that hot air they may be directing your way. Let your foresight wrt to the smartphone be your reply to that kind of behavior, make that asshole and those who shelter him know fear by putting up careers, possibly retirement plans, as the cost for these kinds of transgressions.

Probably not a bad idea to ask to see some ID if they're driving an unmarked vehicle.

There, that's good advice.

Here's the video I usually link in these threads. If anyone here hasn't seen it then do me a solid and sit your lazy ass down and watch all 12min of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHpQtvIxBJ4

The more people are aware of these basics, the faster we'll see headway against police brutality, abuse of power, and corruption.