How can I verify that a uniformed cop is a real cop?

Question

In the state of Connecticut, when a uniformed officer or officers approach, are they required to provide identification showing they are police officers upon request?Anyone can buy a uniform off the internet and say they are a cop. My question specifically pertains to safety.

Answer 1

I believe they need to offer you a last name and badge number. If the person says something longer than 4 digits or looks confused at what you are asking, they are probably not a police officer. The easiest way to know if someone is a uniformed officer is to look up what jurisdictions you live in and what law enforcement uniforms look like online. Knowing what officers look like in jurisdictions you are traveling to might be helpful if you are concerned about this. An accurate and easy way to do this is to follow your local department's facebook or twitter. Most likely there are pictures of uniformed officers on their social media. If in doubt, always call the departmental number of a local police department and simply ask.