Do unmarked police have to show you ID?

Loz01

Sorry if this question has been asked to death.

Long story short, pulled over after driving 400 yards for not wearing a seatbelt. Copper was in an unmarked police car with just some blue lights fixed on - drove erratically right up behind me until I stopped.

He came to my window, was dressed plain clothed, didnt show me any ID or tell me his name or anything, simply said 'do you know why Ive pulled you over?' - if it wasnt for the fact a woman police offer was in his passenger seat (dressed in uniform), then I wouldnt have stopped no way.

Anyway, I know it was stupid to drive less than 0.1 miles without a seatbelt in a 20 mph village, but the question is - should he have shown me some ID?! He was rude as well but thats by the by.

grandma247

You could have asked for his ID and you can refuse to stop but drive to the nearest police station especially if you are a lone woman.

There have been scams where people pretend to be police (yes even having a uniform on). These have sometimes resulted in the driver being attacked.

elsien

No idea, but some of them are appalling drivers. There was one behind me the other day (I saw him when he got out at some lights to have a word with the lorry driver behind him.) No lights or siren, but definitely trying to push past the cars on front at speed - very aggressive driving. I remember thinking that if I drove like that I'd get pulled up, and if it was an emergency surely he should be putting his lights on to warn other road users.

Welsh_Exile

If he was going to arrest you or search you then he would have to have produced his warrant card. He should have identified himself (for several reasons not least reassuring you that he was a real policeman) but as he merely gave you a warning then he didn't have to.
He could have cost you £60 so...

Loz01

Thanks all.

For the record it did cost me £60, he said they 'no longer give verbal warnings for seatbelts, its just a fine' which is strange considering someone I work with mentioned only a few weeks ago that 'a smile' got her out of a seatbelt ticket because it was her first offence.

This was my first time being pulled over as well in 7 years (going on 8), I think he mistook me for a boy racer (I have 2 football stickers in my back window) and leapt at the chance to pull me over. He asked twice if the car was mine and took FOREVER to run a check on me using my driving license/car which came back fine (much to his obvious annoyance)

Stigy

Loz01 wrote: »

Thanks all.

For the record it did cost me £60, he said they 'no longer give verbal warnings for seatbelts, its just a fine' which is strange considering someone I work with mentioned only a few weeks ago that 'a smile' got her out of a seatbelt ticket because it was her first offence.

This was my first time being pulled over as well in 7 years (going on 8), I think he mistook me for a boy racer (I have 2 football stickers in my back window) and leapt at the chance to pull me over. He asked twice if the car was mine and took FOREVER to run a check on me using my driving license/car which came back fine (much to his obvious annoyance)

You could have asked for his ID, in which case he'd have been obliged to supply it. He should really have showed it to you anyway, especially if enforcing legislation! If the Fixed Penalty was appealed by you and went to court, you could say you weren't aware he was a Police Office etc.

Did the uniformed officer issue the ticket? The reason I ask, which to be fair may vary from force to force, is that usually a Police Officer has to be in uniform to issue such a penalty. As I said, maybe it varies from force to force, or is different for Roads Policing units, as they often patrol in unmarked cars.

Welsh_Exile

Ah, you didn't say you got an FPN in your OP. Despite his unfortunate attitude, I doubt you'd have been stopped if you were wearing a seatbelt. We've all done it from time to time when setting off, unlucky the Old Bill saw you and it's cost you £60 - no points though.

Welsh_Exile

Stigy wrote: »

You could have asked for his ID, in which case he'd have been obliged to supply it. He should really have showed it to you anyway, especially if enforcing legislation! If the Fixed Penalty was appealed by you and went to court, you could say you weren't aware he was a Police Office etc.

Did the uniformed officer issue the ticket? The reason I ask, which to be fair may vary from force to force, is that usually a Police Officer has to be in uniform to issue such a penalty. As I said, maybe it varies from force to force, or is different for Roads Policing units, as they often patrol in unmarked cars.

(my bold) that wouldn't alter the fact that the OP wasn't wearing a seatbelt though, would it? And it could end up costing quite a bit more than £60 with court costs added.

LincolnshireYokel

I thought that, when asked, if a copper is a copper, they have to reply truthfully.

Stigy

Welsh_Exile wrote: »

(my bold) that wouldn't alter the fact that the OP wasn't wearing a seatbelt though, would it? And it could end up costing quite a bit more than £60 with court costs added.

I agree, but it somewhat has potential to discredit the Police Officer's evidence in court if he didn't play by the rules. It was an example more than anything, as plain clothed police should always introduce themselves so as to avoid any form of confusion etc. It's best to take small things like this on the chin and part with your cash I think, given it's only £60, rather than potentially and probably cost yourself much more!

spadoosh

LincolnshireYokel wrote: »

I thought that, when asked, if a copper is a copper, they have to reply truthfully.

Lol, proper urban legend that one.

I think drug dealers tried to get this one out there.

Definately not in situations of undercover work! Otherwise ther eowuldnt be much point in going undercover because every would just say
'are you a member of the police force?'
'yes'
'right i will see you later then '