Police: Wave down a bus if you are stopped by an officer you don't trust
It follows the murder of Sarah Everard
Last updated 1st Oct 2021
Women have been advised to wave down a bus or shout out to passers-by if they are stopped by a police officer they do not trust.
The Metropolitan Police made a string of suggestions on what people could do if they are approached by an officer but have concerns they are not acting legitimately as it set out a series of measures it was taking in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard.
It was suggested people should ask where the officer's colleagues are; where they have come from; why they are there; and exactly why they are stopping or talking to them.
Anyone could verify the police officer by asking to hear their radio operator or asking to speak to the radio operator themselves, the force said, before suggesting those with concerns could shout out to a passer-by, run into a house, knock on a door, wave a bus down, or call 999.
The Met stressed the advice was given for specific, and rare, scenarios people might find themselves in.
The force said: "It is unusual for a single plain clothes police officer to engage with anyone in London. If that does happen, and it may do for various reasons, in instances where the officer is seeking to arrest you, you should then expect to see other officers arrive shortly afterwards.
"However, if that doesn't happen and you do find yourself in an interaction with a sole police officer and you are on your own, it is entirely reasonable for you to seek further reassurance of that officer's identity and intentions."
It added: "If after all of that you feel in real and imminent danger and you do not believe the officer is who they say they are, for whatever reason, then I would say you must seek assistance - shouting out to a passer-by, running into a house, knocking on a door, waving a bus down or if you are in the position to do so, calling 999."
The advice came as the Met said it would deploy 650 new officers into busy public places and increase patrols to do more to protect women and girls and help them feel safe.
The force also promised to "step up" patrols in areas identified as "hotspot" locations for violence and harassment, and plain clothes officers will now work in pairs where possible.
Hertfordshire Police say officers should be understanding in light of recent events if a person needs further reassurance when approached.
Chief Constable Charlie Hall says it is unusual for plain clothed officers to be working alone - and they should be calling for assistance if they stop a person.
He also said if people feel uneasy, they should seek assistance, for example shouting out to another member of the public, flagging a car down or even dialling 999.
Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police have told us it will continue to be their policy that plain clothed officers will work in pairs.
We’ve also heard from Bedfordshire Police. Det Ch Supt Dee Perkins said: “I’m as passionate about policing today as when I joined and feel proud and privileged to be a police officer, so it makes me feel utterly sick and ashamed that this individual was a member of the policing family; he has betrayed everything we stand for and what policing represents.
“People should be able to trust and rely upon us, Wayne Couzens’ actions were absolutely despicable. I truly hope it will not deter people from calling us in their time of need. We work closely with the public through independent scrutiny and advisory groups as we value the trust and confidence we have with our communities. We will not let this depraved individual ruin these relationships.
“We understand that following this case, people will want to know how to verify an officer's role and purpose, in just the same way you might challenge a doorstep cold caller to your home. Because of nature of policing in Bedfordshire sometimes our officers will be on their own, or at times double-crewed. However, all of our officers will be happy to verify their identity.”
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.