What happens if you pretend to be a cop?

California Penal Code 538d PC prohibits a person from pretending to be, or impersonating, a police officer. This may include wearing a police uniform or displaying a fake badge. The offense is a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2000.00.

Is it illegal to pretend to be a detective?

False representation as an officer is completely illegal, no matter the context. An individual who wears police articles of clothing, including uniforms, IDs, patches, or buttons as a form of impersonation can be convicted of this crime as well.

What happens if you impersonate a police officer UK?

(1)Any person who with intent to deceive impersonates a member of a police force or special constable, or makes any statement or does any act calculated falsely to suggest that he is such a member or constable, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six …

Can you go to jail for impersonating a police officer UK?

What counts as impersonating a cop?

What is Considered Police Impersonation in California? Any person who wears, exhibits, or uses the authorized uniform, insignia, emblem, device, label, certificate, card, or writing, of a peace officer, may be charged with impersonation.

Is lying to the police illegal UK?

United Kingdom In England and Wales, one can be charged with the offence under Section 5(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1967 when one “causes any wasteful employment of the police” by “knowingly making to any person a false report” which: Indicates that they have information material to any police inquiry.

Is wasting police time a crime UK?

Wasting police time is a criminal offence as outlined under section 5(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1967. Knowingly making false reports to the police is an offence, including verbal or written statements that: Someone has committed an offence. That the reporter has information that is relevant to a police enquiry.

Is it illegal to pretend to be a police officer UK?

Is it illegal to impersonate a police officer UK?

Some sexual predators have impersonated police to commit sexual abuse, harassment, and rape. In the United Kingdom, police impersonation is criminalised by Section 90 of the Police Act 1996.

Is it illegal to not help a police officer UK?

Refusing to assist a constable is an offence under the common law of England and Wales. As a common law offence, it is punishable with an unlimited fine and imprisonment, although it is very rarely prosecuted.