Locals react to people impersonating law enforcement
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – In cities all over the country, there have been reports of people with the bad intentions of impersonating law enforcement.
Arizona officials have warned Arizonan residents of the punishments that come with the crime of impersonating law enforcement.
Governor Katie Hobbs stated on the platform X, “Our local and state law enforcement have a tough job to do. Impersonating them put our officers in harms way and undermines public trust. Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a felony in Arizona, and anybody caught doing so will be charged to the fullest extent.”
Officer Hayato Johnson explains what to look out for.
“If you get a fishy phone call, and you don’t think it’s an actual police officer, don’t be afraid to hang up on them, or call the local agencies, confirm the officers are who they are, confirm their badge numbers,” Officer Johnson shared.
One local, who goes by the name CeCe, shares her experience on how easy it can be for people to commit these crimes.
“I went to the Goodwill and found a Border Patrol outfit there, so I purchased it, and I don’t know what to do with it now because I was afraid somebody was going to impersonate it,” CeCe said.
Official say if you see someone impersonating law enforcement, in an emergency call 911, and if not, call the non-emergency line.