adminThe Herald 22 December 1984
With the police erecting roadblocks over the Christmas and New Year holidays, criminals may seize the opportunity to erect their own fake blocks, the Commissioner of Police, Wiridzai Nguruve warned yesterday.
He said properly-erected police roadblocks would have officially printed Police Ahead signs; police uniform with white or illuminating sleeves and every policeman would carry an identity card.
Members of the army might accompany police at a roadblock.
All members of the security forces have been instructed to comply with standing orders for roadblock erection, said the commissioner, and if anyone was doubtful as to the genuineness of members manning roadblocks, they should demand to see identity cards or should report the roadblock to the nearest police station.
lessons for today
Police officers are given an immense amount of power and they play an integral role in maintaining the public’s safety. Due to this power, a lot of people try and impersonate the police officers for criminal activities
Police impersonators are dangerous and are often commit violent crimes
If you have doubts about a police officer, be it a badge that looks “off” or a roadblock at an unusual spot or even during odd hours, consider taking some precautions, better safe than sorry
In some cases fake police officers opt to use unmarked cars with the number plates covered up (or are fake) in order to avoid detection. They may then claim to be plain-clothes police officers who just so happen to be off-duty. If you suspect this, ask them to produce their identity cards
Online Reporter