Man sentenced for impersonating Wiltshire Police officer
Chris Green, 32, claimed to be working undercover
A man's been sentenced for impersonating a Wiltshire police officer to pull over a member of the public.
32 year old Chris Green of Nursery Close, Peterborough, illuminated a blue LED light in the windscreen of his non-police car to pull over a woman who was driving her vehicle in Longsplatt, Corsham on 6th May last year.
Green claimed he was an officer working for an undercover crime unit and challenged the woman on the manner of her driving.
But when he noticed victim's son in the car with her, Green left the scene.
In a hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (28/06), he was sentenced to six months custody, suspended for two years.
He is also required to pay ÂŁ620 costs and a ÂŁ154 surcharge.
The woman raised her concerns about what had happened with Wiltshire Police and they were able to locate Green.
When officers made the arrest, an LED lightbar, handcuffs and a baseball bat were seized from Green's vehicle.
He was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to impersonating a police officer.
Officers will understand identity challenges
Detective Inspector Matt Smith said: “This is a very concerning and unsettling incident for the victim involved, who had every reason to believe she was being stopped by a genuine police officer.
“Fortunately, Green left the scene and the victim immediately called the police, which allowed us to locate Green quickly and arrest him.
“We appreciate the significant community impact that incidents like this have, particularly for women.
“If you do have concerns over whether an officer you are dealing with is genuine, there are quick steps you can take to check their identity.
“You can either call us on 101, or if you feel it is an emergency then call 999.
“Our officers will always understand if you wish to verify their identity with Wiltshire Police control room.
“I’d also ask anyone who thinks they have been victim to a similar incident to please call us on 101.”
Wiltshire Police also offers a simple verification process to the public which will allow them to confirm that an officer is on duty.
All officers can proactively offer to carry out a verification check to anyone they engage with who appears concerned for their safety or vulnerable by putting their personal issue radio on loudspeaker and asking a member of our control room to confirm who they are and that they are on duty.
This check can also be requested by any concerned member of the public.