Fake Police Officers

By Amy E. Feldman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - How do you know if you're being pulled over by a real police officer?

Real police officers in Naples, Florida arrested a couple of real knuckleheads who used an iPhone app that created flashing red and blue lights to pull over unsuspecting motorists. They've been charged with impersonating officers (and also with marijuana possession after police found drugs in their car. They thought this prank was a good idea while high. Go figure).

But there are unmarked police cars, so how can you tell if it's really the police?

In most, but not all jurisdictions, there must be more than one siren on an unmarked car and the lights will flash from inside the dash as well as the headlights. In addition, many but again not all jurisdictions require that only uniformed police officers, even those in unmarked cars, can pull over traffic violators.

If you question whether you are being pulled over by a real police officer, turn on your flashers to let the police know you are not trying to flee, proceed slowly to a public and well lit area, and call 911 to make sure you are not the victim of a crime.

And if you happen to notice that the so-called police officers are giggling and carrying flashing iPhones, get on your phone to report them.