Know your deputies... it could save your life
Alert deputy foils fake cop
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Burns

Carroll County is subject to the same type of crime found in larger cities. Most residents would like to believe "that kind of thing doesn't happen here," but in fact, sometimes it does.

Local law enforcement officials have to be keenly aware of all that is around them all the time, as one deputy proved Dec. 22. While enroute to a juvenile problem in the county, Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Dunning, who has only been on the force for approximately six months, observed a vehicle using emergency vehicle-type lights to stop another vehicle. Dunning noticed the "emergency vehicle" only had red and white lights. All actual police cars are also equipped with blue lights.

"It's been a busy six months for me since I joined the department," he said.

According to a press release, Dunning witnessed the driver of the vehicle apparently attempting to stop a lawfully operated truck containing two juvenile girls at the Marathon station on South Washington St. in Delphi. He discovered the person driving the vehicle, a red Chevrolet, was not certified as a law enforcement official.

Leazenby

Dunning said the intended victims apparently recognized the suspect was not a law enforcement officer and left the scene. He said they reported the incident to a parent when they arrived at the residence of one of the girls. The father contacted the sheriff's department and the intended victims gave a statement to Dunning later that night.

The suspect, James Pope, 21, Delphi, was charged with impersonating a police officer, illegal display of a red light, and no proof of insurance.

Dunning said he considered this a "fairly isolated incident," but urged all drivers to be alert when they see the unwelcome flashing lights behind them while driving.

He said citizens should be aware that law enforcement officers will be in fully marked police cars or wearing a uniform. Officers, when driving police cars off-duty, carry identifying clothes such as vests and tee shirts with the word "sheriff" clearly displayed on them, which will clearly demonstrate they are bona-fide police officers.

Randle

Legitimate officers carry photo identification and twopiece badges. Dunning recommended if stopped, motorists should request to look at the identification. Any true officer will gladly produce the document. He said anyone could visit the sheriff's department at 301 W. Main St. in Delphi and ask to see an example of a badge and identification card.

Dunning recommended if there is doubt about those flashing lights in the rear-view mirror, a motorist should call 911, obey all traffic laws and drive to the nearest police agency in a populated area.

He said one thing all residents can do is to become familiar with deputies' faces. Dunning recommended readers visit the department's Web site to view photos of all deputies, the sheriff as well as Carroll County's Most Wanted. For additional information, contact the department at (765) 564-2413. The Web site address is www.cacoshrf.com.

Chapman Mullin Back Schimmel Thomas Davidson Liggett Hall Dunning