Impersonating a Police Officer

[jadewhiskey]

What is the name of your state? New Hampshire

I am looking for information for a friend of mine - he was arrested over the weekend for "impersonating a police officer". He did not pull the person over - he was trying to get her attention so he flashed her with his emergency lights - he is a volunteer firefighter and the chaplain for the town I live in - when she didn't pull over he turned his lights off and continued on his way... Then, later he was arrested in his home for "impersonating a police officer". My husband is currently over at his house talking with him - he is distraught. He is a very respected member of the community and a minister at a local church. There was an article in the paper about him giving his name, address, everything stating that he was trying to pull over a female motorist... Making it sound like he was a stalker or something - it is horrible. I have been trying to find laws, etc... The woman contacted the police and reported him. But, I am SURE, it is her word against his. He has a court date scheduled for next month. He is afraid he is going to loose everything because of this situation. Please help. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by jadewhiskey

What is the name of your state? New Hampshire

I am looking for information for a friend of mine - he was arrested over the weekend for "impersonating a police officer". He did not pull the person over - he was trying to get her attention so he flashed her with his emergency lights - he is a volunteer firefighter and the chaplain for the town I live in - when she didn't pull over he turned his lights off and continued on his way... Then, later he was arrested in his home for "impersonating a police officer". My husband is currently over at his house talking with him - he is distraught. He is a very respected member of the community and a minister at a local church. There was an article in the paper about him giving his name, address, everything stating that he was trying to pull over a female motorist... Making it sound like he was a stalker or something - it is horrible. I have been trying to find laws, etc... The woman contacted the police and reported him. But, I am SURE, it is her word against his. He has a court date scheduled for next month. He is afraid he is going to loose everything because of this situation. Please help. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

**A: is he an idiot or what?

[CdwJava]

If he flashed her with his "emergency lights" it might be reasonable to assume that he was trying to get her to yield - this is something that even the fire department cannot do. At best, his judgement is seriously in question. At worst, he is looking at jail time.

This was not a brilliant act.

- Carl

[HomeGuru]

And there is a lot more to this story. I am sure he was not flashing to get her attention to ask her if she wanted to buy a bible to support the Firefighter's Ball.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by HomeGuru

And there is a lot more to this story. I am sure he was not flashing to get her attention to ask her if she wanted to buy a bible to support the Firefighter's Ball.

Flashing headlights is an attempt to get someone's attention ... flashing emergency lights when they are not authorized is criminal AND stupid.

I wonder what the alleged reason for the flashing of lights was?

- Carl

[jpritchett81]

Ummm**************I'll play devil's advocate.....

1. To get lady to turn on her headlights
2. Flat tire

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by jpritchett81

1. To get lady to turn on her headlights
2. Flat tire

The Vehicle Code in my state would still forbid emergency lights from being used for that purpose. Flashing headlights or even high beams to signal the other driver is the generally accepted measure.

It could be as simple as a poor decision - I don't know if it can be shown that he had any heinous motive.

- Carl

[jpritchett81]

Originally Posted by CdwJava

The Vehicle Code in my state would still forbid emergency lights from being used for that purpose. Flashing headlights or even high beams to signal the other driver is the generally accepted measure.

It could be as simple as a poor decision - I don't know if it can be shown that he had any heinous motive.

- Carl

I'm sorry I was thinking high beams for some reason.....

[You Are Guilty]

What are emergency lights, the 4-way hazards? What idiot actually pulls over if someone turns them on?

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by You Are Guilty

What are emergency lights, the 4-way hazards? What idiot actually pulls over if someone turns them on?

In some states volunteer firefighters may have emergency flashers (emergency lights that attach to the top of the car, to the top of the dashboard, or to the visor) to use when they are responding to a call. I suspect that he used these flashers (red, red & blue, or whatever combination of restricted lights his state uses for fire or EMS) to try and get the attention or detain the girl in the other car.

- Carl

[You Are Guilty]

Ahhhh. Now the responses make sense. I'm sure he just wanted to pass.

[miknwv]

Being a volunteer firefighter, I'll try to offer a little insight into this one.

If I was driving down the road and was trying to get their attention, it would depend on the situation as to whether or not I would use my emergency strobe lights. If someone's headlights weren't on, I'd just flash my high-beams at them. If their car was on fire, I'd light 'em up with my emergency warning lights (which I have actually done before).

You have to go through extensive training to obtain a permit to use these lights and must use them responsibly. I would assume (using the term loosely) that he was trying to do a good deed, as are most volunteer firefighters' intentions. Technically and legally, he was wrong to do so. I am unsure what his intentions were, but being a chaplain, I'm sure the intentions were not bad. I have never used my lights just to get past someone in traffic when not on an emergency run and frown upon those who do.

If indeed he was flashing her to turn on her lights or because of a flat tire, I could possibly understand why he would do so. Nobody will pull over for a flick of the headlights. Plus, someone being pulled over by emergency lights instead of a high-beam flash would feel more secure knowing that it's emergency services personnel behind them.

If the lady is the one pressing charges, she should drop it. I'm sure he was only trying to help. Also, the charges of "impersonating a police officer" are bogus. If he had the appropriate colored lights on his vehicle and never verbally stated he was a police officer, then he shouldn't be charged with it. Here in WV, law enforcement runs blue lights, fire runs red lights.

[Happy Trails]

miknwv, you are digging up a thread from July. Please notice that threads have dates on them.

[miknwv]

Yeah, I apologize. I don't come here very often and was just recently educated on necroposting. Will keep an eye out next time.

[Blue Meanie]

Originally Posted by miknwv

Yeah, I apologize. I don't come here very often and was just recently educated on necroposting. Will keep an eye out next time.

I love it...necroposting...where did you get that expression?