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Impersonating Law Enforcement: A Serious Crime that Undermines Public Trust

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Law enforcement agencies across the country are warning citizens about a growing trend of individuals impersonating law enforcement officers, which can lead to diminished trust between law enforcement and their communities. In Arizona, such impersonation is classified as a class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years in prison, unless committed during the commission of a felony, in which case it is a class 4 felony, carrying up to 3.75 years in prison. Arizona officials are taking a strong stance against such crimes, with Governor Katie Hobbs vowing to charge individuals caught impersonating law enforcement to the fullest extent of the law.

Key Takeaways:

  • Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a class 6 felony in Arizona, punishable by up to 2 years in prison, unless committed during the commission of a felony, in which case it is a class 4 felony, carrying up to 3.75 years in prison (A.R.S. §13-2411).
  • The Arizona Department of Public Safety will rigorously investigate and prosecute individuals who falsely present themselves as peace officers (Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety).
  • Governor Katie Hobbs has pledged to charge individuals caught impersonating law enforcement to the fullest extent of the law (Governor Katie Hobbs).
  • Citizens are advised to remain calm, request identification from law enforcement officers, and note identifying details such as vehicle type, license plate, and badge number if they suspect an encounter with a law enforcement impersonator.
  • Tips for dealing with law enforcement impersonators include pulling over in a well-lit, populated area and calling 911 to report the incident.

Statistics:

  • The number of law enforcement impersonation cases in Arizona is not explicitly stated in the source material.
  • The percentage of cases involving law enforcement impersonators in Arizona is also not publicly available.
  • The full extent of the law (i.e., minimum and maximum prison sentences) for impersonating a law enforcement officer in Arizona is as follows:

+ Class 6 felony: up to 2 years in prison

+ Class 4 felony: up to 3.75 years in prison, if committed during the commission of a felony

Sources:

  • A.R.S. §13-2411
  • Arizona Department of Public Safety
  • Governor Katie Hobbs

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