Centralia police warning residents after person poses as officer

Centralia police are warning residents after receiving reports “that someone in town may be posing as a Centralia police officer.”

The department posted a warning on their official Facebook page, saying officers will always activate their emergency lights roadside and adding, “these lights will be both blue and red.”

Residents are advised to call the police department immediately at 682-2131 if you are approached by someone you believe may be impersonating an officer. Officers are dispatched from the department, so someone there will know if there is an officer out on a traffic stop.

ABC 17 News spoke with Centralia Police Chief Dudgeon, who says most police cars have distinct markings residents can look out for.

“Most enforcement type cars have a light bar mounted to the top to the outside. We do that for visibility. Some…do have it in the visor, in the interior of the car but it’s a professional light bar,” Chief Dudgeon explains.

He adds that license plates and department logos can also serve as distinguishing markers. But, when in doubt, he urges residents to simply call the police department.

“If folks are unsure [call] 682 2132. I can tell you in a minute if it’s us,” he says.

ABC 17 News also reached out to the Columbia Police Department. They advise residents to pull over in a well lit area with lots of people around, if possible.

Here is the Facebook post from Centralia PD in full:

“It has been brought to our attention that someone in town may be posing as a Centralia Police officer. If you or anyone you know is traffic stopped by a Centralia officer, we will always activate our emergency lights roadside. These lights will be both red and blue.

If for any reason you are approached by someone claiming to be a Centralia Police officer and your instincts tell you something is off, notify us immediately at 682-2132. We dispatch from our department, so they will know if we have an officer out on a traffic stop.”

(Image courtesy: Centralia Missouri Police Department Facebook page).