[header] How to spot someone impersonating a police officer [title] Understand why people impersonate police officers. [step] Police officers are afforded a lot of power in order to enforce the laws of a particular state. With that power comes the ability to wear a uniform, carry a firearm, and arrest people should the situation arise. 
Criminals, who could utilize this perceived power to inflict harm, are always looking for a way to commit crimes without getting caught. Police impersonators often do what they do in order to commit violent crimes, including murder, rape, and burglary.