False arrest is a common law tort, where a plaintiff alleges he or she was held in custody without probable cause, or without an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. Although it is possible to sue law enforcement officials for false arrest, the usual defendants in such cases are private security firms.
Is It Illegal to Impersonate a Police Officer?
It is a crime to impersonate a police officer, a federal officer or employee, or any other public official. Although the laws vary from state to states, many states also consider it a crime to use equipment used by law enforcement officers, such as red and blue flashing lights. It also may be a crime to flash a fake police badge. Possession of a firearm also can enhance the penalty for false impersonation of a police officer.
What Are the Penalties for Impersonating a Police Officer?
Depending on state law, impersonating a police officer may be considered either a felony or a misdemeanor. Punishments for impersonating a police officer include:
Imprisonment up to five years (sometimes more)
Fines (usually $1000 or more)
Probation
Permanent criminal record
Here are some of the prohibited acts of posing as a police officer that are punishable by law:
More from Annapolis Patch
A person that verbally falsely represents himself or herself as a police officer.
Wearing any type of police articles of clothing. This includes a uniform, badge, ID, shield, button, or patch that has been designated to be worn by the Department of State Police. This also includes wearing any imitations of such articles.
Placing lights, decals, or other equipment on a personal vehicle in order to disguise it as a police car.
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