Detailed guide to spotting undercover COPS while driving...

[inssane]

I am not encouraging illegal activity - it's nice to know if you are going to cruise by a UC on the highway, or if it's a private car.
These are correct in MOST cases, and are based on observations in IL and WI.

*UC Crown Vics have NO:
-License plate frames
-Dealer stickers
-IPASS (typically)
-Chrome accents or chrome hubs (typically)
-Daytime running lights
-Single outlet exhaust

*UC Crown Vics MAY have:
-Visible light bar in back window - they are Clear with LEDs so tricky to spot, and can be at the top or bottom of the rear window
-Strobes built into side mirrors
-Stubby antennas on roof/trunk
-Standard black steel rims with chrome center cap (could also have regular hubs like a street crown vic)
-"Police Interceptor" badge on back OR the regular Crown Victoria badge, but the former is more common
-All windows tinted
-Blue/Red strobes concealed behind grill, but in the sun you can usually see them
-Strobe visible on the dash, or on the visors, if visible
-Clear corner lights next to headlights instead of ALL amber corners (this is so the strobes are more visible)
-One or two spotlights on A-Pillar near windshield - sometimes not to stay stealthy
-Sometimes Municipal plates are on, many times they are regular plates
-Dual exhaust - high performance engine. If it's single it's NOT a cop
-A push bar - many times not
-Mini light bar in the rear quarter window, just behind the rear passenger that rolls down - this is easy to see if you are next to the copper
-Usually a Black honeycomb style plastic grill and surround versus the chrome grill, but they can have chrome grills (rare)

Typical UC - minus this one's red spot

Typical blue haired Crown Vic - notice the chrome trim around the door handles, bumpers, and window frame, as well as grill and rims, and thinner sidewalls on the tires **these rims and this grill CAN be on a cop car, but is not very common - usually this would be a detective's car, not a Statie**

Look closely for the light bar and red strobes - some of the bars don't even have the black in between and it's just clear - this car has many antennas too, which isn't all that common.

Here is how sneaky they can be and you will never see it if you aren't looking

Side mirror lights

Spotting a cop at night -

Rectangle amber on the inside like it's cross eyed

These may apply to Impalas as well, in most cases it's identical criteria. Chargers too, for the most part.

So utilizing these while en route is easy. If you are going over the speed limit, you see a CV and are wondering if you should pass it - you see a plate frame and you are all good. Pass away.

Whew - well I hope that this helps some. I had to get VERY good at spotting them with a car that does the quarter mile in high 11s - and I had to spot them at night through tinted windows. Not that I was doing anything wrong.

Lastly, I am sure you can all spot them in certain cases whilst looking in your rear view mirror...

Enjoy - Be Safe - Respect the Law

Nick

 

[Kelmar]

Be Safe - Respect the Law

This line is QFT....

An easier way is to just not doing anything that would get you pulled over and then you don't have to remember who/what/how.

 

[Frisco]

An easier way is to just not doing anything that would get you pulled over and then you don't have to remember who/what/how.

Unless you're dark skinned in Arizona or African American looking in any other state.

 

[hakr100]

This line is QFT....

An easier way is to just not doing anything that would get you pulled over and then you don't have to remember who/what/how.

Some people get pulled over and harassed despite the fact that they've done nothing wrong.

 

[vandyblackandgold]

my guide to dealing with cops whether undercover or not:


OBEY THE LAW!

 

[SoFLO]

I actually have a knack for spotting undercover cars. We have undercover Chargers here as well (that look completely badass I may add).

 

[Fenga Papit]

Some people get pulled over and harassed despite the fact that they've done nothing wrong.

What people would these be, and why do you claim this?

 

[L8AGIN]

They do make a police package cv with all the chrome, hubcaps, grille, and badging of a regular cv. It's an option departments can order. But you're right about the license plate frame and dealer stickers, a dead giveaway.

 

[Frisco]

What people would these be, and why do you claim this?

Racial profiling. That's just one example.

It's rampant in big cities; I've had many a reputable co-worker come to work pretty upset about being pulled over for nothing at all, and on the pretext of things such as, "dangerous lane change," "exhibition of speed (not speeding, but taking off from a stop 'too quickly as if to race')," etc.

 

[chrlswltrs]

Thanks for the info, I have fine tuned my pig spotting ability over the years, but this is useful to other who may not have refined their skills yet.

Just some info to add, I have lived all over the country when I was in the military and a lot of cities use a lot of different UC cars. I have found that now the charger is actually more common than the crown vic. You spot them all the same way though, the lights, the cattle guard on the front, the wheels, antenna, etc.

One honest mistake does not mean that you deserve a ticket, like on a highway when the speed limit drops and you couldn't see the sign because of a semi, and you get pulled over 1 mile later and given a ticket without even knowing you did anything wrong. Pigs don't care about "protecting and serving" they care about F***ing people every chance they get!

PS. Pigs don't risk their lives for you, they do it for their egos. Alligator wrestlers risk their lives too, but not without an audience. You never see memorials for alligator wrestlers that "die in the line of duty", so why should pigs be any different?

 

[inssane]

Everyone as drifted over the speed limit on a long trip, keeping up with traffic especially. If you chose to break the law, that is your choice.

When you cross from WI to IL, the speed limit falls from 65 to 55 and typically in WI you go 70 just to keep up with right lane traffic. This is wen they want to get you. EVERYONE is over the speed limit when they enter IL - so it's cases like these that it's nice to know what they look like.

Of course people will say, garbble garbble - don't break the law - well most people don't, but others can hopefully appreciate a little advice.

And yes people can "seem" to get stopped for nothing. Usually it's something, like you didn't signal while merging, and then it turns into something else.

This was reason enough for me to get stopped all the time, even when not breaking the law:

 

[bbrosen]

Racial profiling. That's just one example.

It's rampant in big cities; I've had many a reputable co-worker come to work pretty upset about being pulled over for nothing at all, and on the pretext of things such as, "dangerous lane change," "exhibition of speed (not speeding, but taking off from a stop 'too quickly as if to race')," etc.

those are legitimate reasons for being pulled over, and has nothing to do with race, most of the time a cop could care less what race someone is, he is just doing his job. and often it is hard to tell the race of someone when driving behind them or at night. BTW, there is nothing evil about racial profiling, it is one of many tools a cop uses. first of all, if an african American robbed a bank, should they not profile and weed out say 90 year old blue hairs, mexicans, and Asians? Thats profiling. I am a white middle aged man who has been pulled over for lane change issues, tag lights being out etc etc. It is not harassment, its the cops doing their job.


also, I did not think crown vics were used any more now adays. Ny used to use them all the time in the 80's and here in miss they use compacts, and mid size cars that look almost stock, nothing like the crown vics used to with light bars and stuff.

and yes, obey the law and all is well.

 

[bbrosen]

Thanks for the info, I have fine tuned my pig spotting ability over the years, but this is useful to other who may not have refined their skills yet.

Just some info to add, I have lived all over the country when I was in the military and a lot of cities use a lot of different UC cars. I have found that now the charger is actually more common than the crown vic. You spot them all the same way though, the lights, the cattle guard on the front, the wheels, antenna, etc.

One honest mistake does not mean that you deserve a ticket, like on a highway when the speed limit drops and you couldn't see the sign because of a semi, and you get pulled over 1 mile later and given a ticket without even knowing you did anything wrong. Pigs don't care about "protecting and serving" they care about F***ing people every chance they get!

PS. Pigs don't risk their lives for you, they do it for their egos. Alligator wrestlers risk their lives too, but not without an audience. You never see memorials for alligator wrestlers that "die in the line of duty", so why should pigs be any different?

wow, such hatred, you must be a real joy to be around. hope you never need a cop, but if you do, even they will save your sorry a$$ regardless or your rotten attitude. Ain't that nice?

 

[inssane]

those are legitimate reasons for being pulled over, and has nothing to do with race, most of the time a cop could care less what race someone is, he is just doing his job. and often it is hard to tell the race of someone when driving behind them or at night. BTW, there is nothing evil about racial profiling, it is one of many tools a cop uses. first of all, if an african American robbed a bank, should they not profile and weed out say 90 year old blue hairs, mexicans, and Asians? Thats profiling. I am a white middle aged man who has been pulled over for lane change issues, tag lights being out etc etc. It is not harassment, its the cops doing their job.


also, I did not think crown vics were used any more now adays. Ny used to use them all the time in the 80's and here in miss they use compacts, and mid size cars that look almost stock, nothing like the crown vics used to with light bars and stuff.

and yes, obey the law and all is well.

Didn't want to say it, but there are "certain" people get stopped all the time over here, most by narcs, and most end up spreading on the hood, some end up in the car - like you said, I am sure there is a good reason for certain profile.

I'll just go and say it, I have never seen a group of white guys tagging buildings by me...it's true, so don't jump down my throat.

It's bad enough that these guys are always whistling and clapping at my PitBull Maverick from their cars. Dumbasses

 

[SoFLO]

bla bla garble garble wha wha

Thanks for such an insightful post because that's about what I get out if it.

 

[inssane]

thanks for such an insightful post because that's about what i get out if it.

lol

 

[byteware]

What people would these be, and why do you claim this?

Police have all kinds of reasons for pulling people over that aren't related to their breaking the law.

One woman had to put a message on her rear window, because cops kept pulling her over and flirting/asking her out.

So, yes, there are lots of reasons people get pulled over that have nothing to do with breaking the law.

 

[Jceinc]

wow, such hatred, you must be a real joy to be around. hope you never need a cop, but if you do, even they will save your sorry a$$ regardless or your rotten attitude. Ain't that nice?

So true man. They'll even put their own own life on the line to save ignorant people like him.

 

[Jceinc]

Racial profiling. That's just one example.

It's rampant in big cities; I've had many a reputable co-worker come to work pretty upset about being pulled over for nothing at all, and on the pretext of things such as, "dangerous lane change," "exhibition of speed (not speeding, but taking off from a stop 'too quickly as if to race')," etc.

Why is it racial profiling? So, (if you're anything other than white) and you do get pulled over because of a "dangerous lane change" or "taking off too quickly" and only receive a warning that's racial profiling? Have you read your local traffic laws lately?

 

[Snow_Fox]

I just love how people start jumping in on this thread "don't do anything against the law and don't worry about whether or not they have under cover cops".

Yes because, speeding 10 miles over the speed limit is the worst thing in the world you can be doing :/

Cops have quota's to meet, and quite frankly the speed limit is not always logical :/

I was on the way to my grandma's funeral so I was absent minded, and I got hit in a speed trap where the speed dropped 10 miles below the limit you would think it should be.. I pass the place any time I go to visit my parents.. but, that night I didn't see the speed sign so I didn't even think about lowering down..

The cop pulls me over.. So I pull off into a dark little parking lot.. I have never been pulled over so I have no idea whats going on.. or why he isn't approaching me so I crack my door to look and he yells at me to get out over the intercom. Finally he gets out and ask for license and registration.. So As I begin looking for the registration I can't find it.. I am taking thins out of my glove compartment and putting them on my trunk.. Eventually I find my registration (someone put it in a different pocket of the same folder it was suppose to be in). And that ****** ****** leaves not even 5 minutes later.. with all of my shit everywhere.. and he took the only source of light.. So I'm having to thumble around in the dark hoping I am not missing anything or the wind didn't blow something important off.

You can say what you want about the situation.. but, I have ill will towards that cop to this day. I have gotten one ticket in my life. I wasn't putting anyone in any danger. The ONLY reason the speed limit drops to 35 where it does right there is for ticketing purposes.

Hell where I live, I think police make sport of it.. I also absolutely hate the police in my town. They will cut on their lights to get past traffic.. and then cut them off after passing a red light.. One day when driving I got t a stop sign.. one whipped around behind me out of no where, got so close to my bumper I was worried it was gunna hit me, then once I made my turn.. followed me all of 2 feet before pulling into a parking lot and turning around to go right back to where he could do it again. He was hoping I would freak out or turn improperly.. Police do some crap where I live.

 

[jamor]

The law isn't always correct. i.e. The government makes billions off cigarettes which kill people but outlaws marijuana which saves lives and treats cancer patients.

However this is slowly changing. You can get a medical marijuana card in colorado by going to the doctor and telling him you can't sleep at night or have bad back pain.

Same with California.

But to stay on topic, I love speeding and get away with it a lot. You just have to know what you are doing and pay close attention to surroundings.

QFT.

 

[inssane]

The law isn't always correct. i.e. The government makes billions off cigarettes which kill people but outlaws marijuana which saves lives and treats cancer patients.

However this is slowly changing. You can get a medical marijuana card in colorado by going to the doctor and telling him you can't sleep at night or have bad back pain.

Same with California.

But to stay on topic, I love speeding and get away with it a lot. You just have to know what you are doing and pay close attention to surroundings.

QFT.

I agree with your first thought 110% and that's not to mention the economical benefit the US could reap...

To everyone else - there are good cops and bad cops, just like there are good politicians and bad ones. Holding grudges is unhealthy, and it is that one time a cop pulls you out of your car when it's flipped over that you may change your mind.
Pulling over and hassling people is sometimes unfair, but they also check your property and risk being shot if you think someone is trying to break in to your house.

BUt yes, be aware and hopefully this guide will help
N

 

[chrlswltrs]

I just love how people start jumping in on this thread "don't do anything against the law and don't worry about whether or not they have under cover cops".

Yes because, speeding 10 miles over the speed limit is the worst thing in the world you can be doing :/

Cops have quota's to meet, and quite frankly the speed limit is not always logical :/

Exactly, why is there even a speed limit in Montana in the middle of no where when I drove for over an hour on a straight, flat road and never saw another car? The first car I saw was a cop that gave me a ticket for going 10 mph over the speed limit. Completely ridiculous.

The law isn't always correct. i.e. The government makes billions off cigarettes which kill people but outlaws marijuana which saves lives and treats cancer patients.

Just like the law in Washington state that makes online poker illegal. Not only is it illegal, but it carries the same weight a child pornography or heroin possession. How does that make any sense at all??

I agree with your first thought 110% and that's not to mention the economical benefit the US could reap...

To everyone else - there are good cops and bad cops, just like there are good politicians and bad ones. Holding grudges is unhealthy, and it is that one time a cop pulls you out of your car when it's flipped over that you may change your mind.
Pulling over and hassling people is sometimes unfair, but they also check your property and risk being shot if you think someone is trying to break in to your house.

BUt yes, be aware and hopefully this guide will help
N

The problem is there are more bad cops that good. People that want a badge just to harass people and feel power, instead of the few that actually want to protect people.

It is bad news for the person trying to break into my house because of me if I am home. Either way if I am home and handle the intruder myself or I am away from home, when I would call the police to report the break in the intruder would be no threat to the police so I don't need them to protect me!




Anyways, the point is, be observant, keep your eyes open for pigs, get a good radar/laser detector/jammer, use trapster, and get a photo blocking license plate cover and that about evens the playing field. Then maybe some pigs will miss their quotas and get fired. If enough people do all this and then there will be a reasonable amount of cops that can actually be kept busy by protecting people instead of just harassing people.

 

[RiverOfIce]

Why is it racial profiling?

I have been pulled over 7 times in 6 months. Not one ticket, not one warning. Why? Only thing about me is that I am dark skinned driving a new car.

 

[Demache]

These are pretty useful. Unfortunately, some of the dead giveaways like the hubcaps and grille are almost useless since sometimes they are just retired police cars that have been resold for civilian use. They even keep the spotlight too. The only real indicators are the light bar. Since externally, they look the same.

With that being said, I don't know if we even have any UC's here.