If you know what you're looking for, it's easy to spot an undercover police officer.Municipal plates, clusters of antennas, and dark tinted windows can be seen on unmarked police vehicles.When you're looking at a potential cop in person, look for short, neatly-groomed military hair, heavy-duty boots, and baggy clothing with lots of pockets.An undercover cop might try to get you to give them information in order to make progress on a case.
Step 1: There are nondescript plates on the back of the vehicle.
Police cars that are not marked are often fitted with special municipal plates.Unlike ordinary license plates, which include a combination of letters and numbers, municipal plates typically only have a short string of numbers.This could make them stand out.Municipal plates may be stamped with the letters "MU" at the end.tags bearing the name of the local police department are required for some cop cars.
Step 2: There are a lot of radio antennas on the roof or trunk.
It's important for cops to stay in touch with headquarters as well as other officers.There is no way to hide the amount of antenna needed to make this possible.Most consumer vehicles only have one or two antennas, whereas a cop car may have as many as 4-5.The retractable power antenna may not be visible at all times.More and more cop cars are being fitted with puck antennas, which are short and round and made to blend in with the car's paint job.These can be more difficult to catch, but they still have a distinctive look.
Step 3: The grill and side mirrors have out-of-place lights.
If you can make out a row of flashers between the headlights, you have done your job.Searchlights on the side mirrors may be accompanied by emergency lights.There is a cop car in disguise.If you don't see a light bar on the grill, take a peek at the bottom of the rear window.It is possible that it is in one place and not the other.If you see a car with emergency lights, you can be sure that the driver is an officer.
Step 4: The car might have a push bumper.
A push bumper is a cage-like device that goes over the front bumper of a vehicle to make it easier to force other vehicles off of the road.They're a staple of police-issue vehicles, and can be found on any make, model, or style of car.Most civilian vehicles with push bumpers are larger models, such as Hummers, Jeeps and pickup trucks.Police departments install them on cars due to their superior speed and maneuverability.
Step 5: It is possible to find dark window tint.
Many upscale vehicles include tinted windows as a standard feature.The police car's windows are usually darker towards the front.The goal is to make it harder for other drivers to see inside, but it can also make the car more noticeable.The presence of tinted windows alone isn't enough to be sure that a given vehicle is being driven by a police officer, but it can be a major tell when taken with other clues.
Step 6: Look for neat or well-groomed hair.
With a quick glance, you can see if someone is an undercover cop.Male officers usually have shaved heads, clean side parts, and high-and-tight haircuts.Female officers often sport ponytails, low buns, or close-cropped bobs to keep their hair out of their faces.Most police departments insist that their officers adhere to high grooming standards, which is higher than the average person on the street.It isn't enough to have a hairstyle.It's not unusual for cops in deep cover assignments to grow out their head and facial hair to make themselves less likely to be identified.
Step 7: The person is wearing a jacket.
It's easier for cops to carry all the tools and equipment without attracting attention if they wear long or bulky outerwear.There's a chance that there is a pair of handcuffs in one of the pockets, if the person is wearing a rugged work jacket, 34 length coat, or plush windbreaker.They want to be able to grab something in a hurry, and keeping one or both hands in their jacket pockets is an indication of that.
Step 8: Keep an eye out for new hoodies.
In order to blend in with the crowd, Undercover cops often wear hooded sweatshirts, warm-up jackets, and other sports-themed apparel.None of these items are suspicious on their own, but they can look out of place with other accessories.Hoodies allow officers to cover their heads and remain discreet.Making out the name or logo of a generic store brand on an article of clothing will only strengthen your suspicion.
Step 9: The person is wearing cargo pants or shorts.
Many police officers use bottoms with multiple, roomy pockets as part of their wardrobe because of the amount of practical storage they offer.These pockets can be used to hold items like a flashlight, taser, pepper spray, or zip ties.More often than not, the undercover officer's cargo pockets are full.A careless cop could also make the mistake of wearing an expensive pair of jeans with other less fancy garments.
Step 10: Look for boots that are drab military or hiking style.
If you're not sure what to think of the person's outfit, look down.Cops like to wear heavy-duty footwear because of how long they spend on foot.They could also be wearing hiking sneakers.Police officers prefer neutral colors like black, brown, and gray, as they are more low-profile than bright colors and flashy designs.The way they're matched with other clothing and accessories is more important than the shoes themselves.How many people do you know who wears tactical boots with a hoodie and cargo pants?
Step 11: There is a gun under their pants or shirt.
If someone who's acting funny is actually working as an undercover agent, you can catch a glimpse of their sidearm under their clothes.The tell-tale shape of a gun is easiest to detect when they're bending, leaning or raising their arms.If you discover that the person you're talking to is concealing a firearm, it's wise not to say anything to them.
Step 12: If you don't know who they are, be careful.
If you have a run-in with a stranger who seems oddly friendly or inquisitive and your gut is telling you that there's something not quite right about the situation, listen to it.An undercover cop's job is to spy on civilians by pretending to be one of them.Someone who's just trying to make small talk and someone who seems like they're after something are different.If you start to receive pointed questions such as, "How old are you?" or "Do you know the person who's throwing this party?", consider it a red flag.
Step 13: Pay attention to people who don't fit in.
Scan the room and try to find someone who stands out.A man with a buzz cut at a punk rock show might enjoy loud music.If you notice a lack of headbanging, he's there to bust a drug dealer.Do you know what makes a person different from everyone else around them?
Step 14: There were no matching pairs in public places.
In some cases, an undercover officer will have a partner with them on dangerous or high-stakes assignments.The two of them may look like an odd couple because cops don't always have a say in who they're with.They'll most likely stay close to one another, but won't do much chatting or even acknowledge each other.Two people with significant age or cultural differences hanging out alone on a street corner may be there for police reasons.
Step 15: Do you have any habits or interests that don't add up?
Look for glaring inconsistencies when you're observing or interacting with the person.They might be a crack in the facade.Hearing a college student ordering an expensive brandy or seeing a self-proclaimed environmentalist driving a gas-guzzler should alert you that something is off.People are complex.Don't be so sure that someone is a cop just because they turn down a drink or tell you that their favorite show is The Wire.
Step 16: Don't draw attention to the person or yourself.
It's important that you don't interfere with the duties of the undercover cop if you think you've identified them.If you make a scene you could be charged with obstruction of justice.They are there to enforce the law and protect you.Some people think that if you ask an undercover officer if they're a cop, they have to tell you the truth.You could cause trouble if you pose the question at the wrong place or time.