Rash of Crimes by Fake Police Prompts Alert

The most recent case was similar to what has happened at at least 69 homes in Los Angeles this year:

Four officers knocked on a resident’s front door in South-Central L.A. Dressed in uniform, they flashed badges and said they had a search warrant. Guns rested in holsters at their sides, and an unmarked navy Crown Victoria and gray Chevy Caprice were parked outside.

An unsuspecting resident opened the door. The officers drew their weapons and held the nine occupants at gunpoint, tying some of the people to chairs with electrical cords. They ransacked the home, taking $244 in cash and escaping in the police-like cars.

The suspects were police impersonators, a breed that has become more sophisticated in recent years, robbing residents and beating those who resist.

In addition to the 69 home-invasion robberies by police impostors, there have been other cases of fake officers stopping drivers and stealing money and soliciting door-to-door for nonexistent police organizations.

The impostors know the police lingo and deployment hand signals, authorities say. They have scanners and flashing lights in their cars. And they usually have information about their victims, sometimes names or criminal history.

Los Angeles police called a news conference Wednesday to detail the arrest of the suspects in the South-Central case and to warn residents about how to handle themselves if they suspect they have encountered fake officers.

The suspects, who were arrested Sunday and arraigned Wednesday, are also believed to have staged 10 to 15 more phony-cop robberies from Anaheim to Simi Valley. Wearing navy blue T-shirts and carrying badges and guns, the men claimed to be “federal fugitive enforcement” officers.

In fact, police said, at least one of the suspects is an employee of a private security firm. They would not identify the company.

Det. John Vach said private security guards usually have a badge and identification and look professional.

“They look the part,” Vach said. “They look good.”

Police said a rising distrust of law enforcement hampers their ability to catch the impostors. Some victims don’t report the crimes because they believe they have been robbed by legitimate but crooked cops.

The easiest way to determine if someone is a police officer is to ask for his or her identification cards, which all officers carry, police say. Similar to a driver’s license, this card has the officer’s picture, name, and serial number.

“If they just flash an ID, ask to see it again,” Det. Denise Montgomery said. “Ask them to turn it around. Most people don’t ask to inspect it.”

A suspicious person also should examine an officer’s badge. LAPD officers, whether detectives or patrol officers, wear their badges on their waistbands or chests while on duty. The badges read “Los Angeles Police” beneath a picture of City Hall. Arched above the L.A. landmark is the officer’s ranking: police officer, detective, sergeant or lieutenant.

If there is still a question of legitimacy, ask the officers for their business cards, police say. Every officer should be carrying a card. With this card, a potential victim can call the station to verify that the officer is employed by the force.

“If someone comes, and you are in doubt, don’t hesitate to call 911,” Vach said. “But once they’re in the door, just cooperate and be a good witness.”

In the South-Central case, the residents never asked for a second identification and didn’t question the impostors’ legitimacy. To discourage phony cops, ask questions, Montgomery said: What division do you work with? Who’s your supervisor? What’s your badge number? If they say they have a search warrant, ask to see it. Legally, they must be carrying it with them.

Officers stressed that simply because police are not wearing uniforms does not mean they are impostors. Most detectives are dressed in coat and tie. Vice detectives wear plainclothes. And in raids, officers sport navy jackets with a shield on the front and “police” emblazoned on the back and on both arms.