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this post was submitted on 14 Dec 2023
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No Stupid Questions
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In none of your scenarios would a reasonable person believe their interacting with an active member of the sheriff department.
okay but I'll go a little deeper into this scenario. This happened to me yesterday, there's this creepy old man who loiters outside the 24-hour gym all hours of the night lurking in the shadows outside and then he comes in and talks to me while I'm running on the treadmill and he makes a display of making sure I notice he has this hat on with an official sheriff's logo of some County with the word sheriff on it and he peels the cap off his head as he's talking to me. seems like impersonation to me. Because subconsciously I really thought he was law enforcement but in retrospect no he's not law enforcement. He's a creepy old man.
he gives me the creeps and he bothers me while I'm working out at the gym. And he tells me about the vehicle I drive and my license plate, I just want to exercise in peace and not be harassed by creepy old men impersonating a police officer in the middle of the night.
Well yes that's harrassment. I'm sure the police can tell you better than anyone here if wearing the hat or not makes it any worse, but by all means having some creep come at you talking about your number plate is off
Seems legit.
Better call the CIA.
Just ask if they are law enforcement. If they say no or say nothing, then assume they are just some creepy citizen and stay away. If they say yes but can't produce a badge, they have instantly committed impersonation.
Law enforcement has to identify itself in an official capacity if you are being detained or questioned. This should be obvious. Policing powers are only given to police officers, so it behooves the police to be very clear that they are the police.
You're under no obligation to talk to them. You can just say I'm declining this interview, any further statements please arrange with my lawyer. Treat him like the police officer he wants to be treated like. Don't say anything to him. Just like you should do of any police officer.
Or say something more polite, I volunteer with legal aid, they would get mad at me if I ever voluntarily spoke with the police. So I can't talk to you sorry, have a good workout!
You should record the next time he bothers you... that way you have some evidence to show the police. Good luck and be safe
Thank you. I've just started avoiding that gym at all the hours I've ever seen him there. Makes me sick that I inconvenience myself now to avoid his schedule. I'd rather do as you suggest. I will keep that in mind.