February 12, 2023February 17, 2023 Does an undercover officer have to tell you their badge number? Does an undercover officer have to tell you their badge number? Nope. It’s been a popular myth for decades that if you ask a cop if they are law enforcement they have to tell you, or show their badge. If true this would put a complete halt to any/all undercover operations. They don’t have to show their badge, they can lie about most things. Do undercover cops need badges? While some state laws and department policies may require a uniformed officer to display a badge or nameplate, they may not require the same of plainclothed officers. Undercover cops exist in just about every urban setting, and no, these officers do not have to tell you they are cops. How do you know if its a undercover cop? Unmarked police vehicles can often be recognized by features like municipal plates, clusters of antennas, and dark tinted windows. When you’re scrutinizing a could-be cop in person, look out for short, neatly-groomed military hairstyles, heavy-duty boots, or baggy clothing with lots of pockets. When do undercover police have to identify themselves? Police have to identify themselves if specifically asked whether they are law enforcement. Example: “Are you scared that your friend or enemy is an undercover cop, just ask, they are required to tell you if they are reporting to law enforcement.”1. Undercover officers aren’t allowed to initiate a drug sale without pre-existing suspicion.2. Do you have to identify yourself as a police officer? Police have to identify themselves if specifically asked whether they are law enforcement. Example: Are you scared that your friend or enemy is an undercover cop, just ask, they are required to tell you if they are reporting to law enforcement.1. Can a undercover officer ask for a drug? Undercover officers aren’t allowed to ask for an illegal drug by name. Example: “He tells me that [undercover police] cannot ask you for drugs by name, or even common slang terms. They must call it something else, like ‘fun stuff’.” When do police have to wear a badge? Most on-duty police are required to wear both a uniform and a uniquely numbered badge identifying themselves as police. Police must generally identify themselves before executing a search warrant or arresting someone. Though it varies by jurisdiction, there are some situations in which off-duty… Questions