Unmarked police cars and your rights

Thursday, September 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A woman in Virginia got raped last weekend after being pulled over by what she thought was a police officer. Yet, another woman in Texas, recently, didn't stop for an unmarked police car and got arrested. So, what should you do here in Oklahoma if an unmarked car tries to stop you? News on Six crime reporter Lori Fullbright has the answer.

Nobody likes to get pulled over by police. But it's a necessary part of life. What happens if it's dark, you're alone and you can't see the police car well. How do you know it's a real police officer? Do you have to pull over? If you don't pull over, will you get into trouble?

Tulsa Police officer Andy Phillips has the answers. â€All a person needs to do is remain calm. If it's dark, in a rural area and you're not sure if it's a policeman or police person, keep driving. Roll down your window, wave to show you're not stopping till you get to a place with more people." Some agencies use unmarked cars to catch speeders; many of them have lights in the front grill and also in the taillights. Remember, if you choose not to stop, don't speed up. You may even want to put on your hazard lights as you go to the first, well lit, well-populated area.

A great thing to have is a cell phone. Call 911 and ask if the person behind you is a real cop. If they are, you have peace of mind and can pull over. If not, then, they can send help. If you pull over, but you're still unsure, keep your doors locked, only roll down your window a few inches and hand over your driver's license until you're sure of the situation.

You also have the right to ask some questions. "A citizen has the right to ask for the officer's name, badge number and commission card which has their picture and other identifying marks on it. They can also ask for the officer's immediate supervisor.â€

Officer Phillips says even he follows these rules when he's unsure. He wouldn't expect any officer to get mad at a citizen who was just trying to keep safe. Police say it's most important to have an attitude of cooperation, but don't assume the person in the unmarked car behind you is an officer.

Anyone can go a police supply store and buy badges, uniforms and lights. Impersonating an officer is a misdemeanor.