Sheriff's Office Informs Public About Phony Cops

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has released a video describing ways that citizens suspicious of people who may be impersonating law enforcement officers can keep themselves safe and report their suspicions.

In the video, Chief Deputy Michael Giordano says that the Sheriff’s Office has received two reports of people impersonating officers within the past month. Last week, a man told several witnesses that he was an officer while carrying a firefighter badge and an airsoft gun.

Giordano says that residents who are approached by someone claiming to represent law enforcement can ask the officer to present his agency-issued identification card.

Additionally, Forsyth residents pulled over by an unmarked vehicle should turn on their hazard lights and only pull over in a populated or well-lit area.

If the person claiming to be law enforcement seems suspicious, Giordano says that residents can call 911. The operator can either confirm the person claiming to be law enforcement actually is law enforcement, or they can send marked patrol cars to the area to investigate.

According to Giordano, a law enforcement officer will almost identify himself and the agency he belongs to when he approaches a citizen for law enforcement purposes. The officer will also tell citizens why they are being stopped.

Lastly, Giordano says that no Georgia law enforcement agency will ever request payment of traffic tickets over the phone. These callers are scammers simply looking for a quick buck.

Watch the video below: