Tempe PD gives tips on how to spot a real police officer from a fake one
TEMPE, Ariz. - The news that the Minnesota shooter impersonated a police officer is extra troubling and is leading local police to share tips on how to tell a real officer from a fake one.
What we know:
"This is a very serious offense and something we really want to take seriously," said Tempe Police Officer Jessica Ells.
After a man dressed to look like police reportedly shot two Minnesota politicians and their spouses this weekend, killing Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, police officers in the Valley are sharing tips on how to watch out for these bad actors.
Tempe Police says standard issue uniforms may look similar from one jurisdiction to the next, but transparency from legitimate officers will stand out.
"They will all have their duty weapon and a hard badge and everyone is going to be very open with giving their serial number, their name, what agency they work for and a phone number to call dispatch to verify their presence there," Officer Ells said.
MN lawmaker shootings: Vance Boelter listed pro-choice supporters; No Kings papers found in fake police car
The suspect who fatally shot Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, had a manifesto with pro-life supporters on it, including Democratic lawmakers. He also had "No Kings" papers in his fake police vehicle.
Dig deeper:
Vehicles may also add to confusion.
"A lot of police cars do go to auction when they are miled out for a department, so the radios and the decals will be taken off, but they still have that general police officer look," Officer Ells said.
So, if you are concerned about a potential impersonator, be sure to voice that.
"With what's going on in our climate today, they're going to be OK to call and verify," Officer Ells said.
This message comes as politicians on both sides of the aisle are sounding the alarm on the acts of the wanted man in Minnesota.
Live updates on Minnesota lawmaker shootings: Vance Boelter manhunt continues for 2nd day
The manhunt for Vance Boelter continues into its second day. Law enforcement identified him as the suspect who assassinated Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
"That is the literal definition of political terrorism. If you use violence to change a political outcome, that's terrorism," Arizona Republican Party Chair, Gina Swoboda, said.