In the UK, can you ask a uniformed police officer to show you ID before continuing a conversation?

Beanbag

.Of couse you can - they would have no reason to stop you from seeing their ID.

jed slade

You may ask to see his/her warrant card,but he/her is not going to give it to you,they are instructed to just show it to you.But ,would you know a genuine warrant card if you did see one?If you ask to see the card, to just be awkward, and assert yourself, then you will be in big trouble,they will look into your paperwork and personal details with a great deal more thoroughness and keep you longer.They have a job to do.

caseymitchum2000

Yes, its a standard procedure coz there are people who blag to be police when really there crooks.

Jaffa Rookie

Yes you are entitled to ask to see a uniformed police officer's warrant card, but most members of the public wouldn't bother as Police tend to turn up in pairs driving a police car

Magic Bus Driver

Yes you can. When I was arrested one time I had to share a cell with someone who had been charged with impersonating a police officer. He was wearing what to me seemed like a real policeman's uniform and it freaked me out I can tell you. Apparently he'd stolen it from a house he had robbed that belonged to a film extra.

ÇsÉ¹nuÊŽxÇs

Yes, you can.

livinfortheweekend2

Yes. They cannot refuse to show their ID.

isleofskye

Of course.

Bardic

Yes, certainly you can. However, if you're just being bolshie, with human nature being what it is you can find yourself being delayed somewhat longer than if you hadn't!

Tartan Duck

Yes and a good police officer will be happy to do it.

Robin

Yes indeed you can an BY LAW he has to show you his warrant card. Any Police Officer out on duty without a Warrant Card is unable to perform their duties.

Lisa

They have to do that in the states too. They are not allowed to refuse. To many crimes have been committed by fake police officers, that you have to consider you personal safety.
Like Ted Bundy used that one to lure girls in his car.

Dory

Yes and they can't refuse.

Sarah T

anyone who works for an official organisation or company should show you their id upon request, if you are still in doubt phone the company or organisation to verify the id.

Roggles

yes

rick_wenham

Yes you can, all police officers whether in uniform or not are required by law to carry an ID card, called a warrant card, this is in effect their authority to act as a polcie officer.

And they must produce this on demand.

fireblood

yes , at your peril, they will hound you.

John W

Yes, of course

Most DECENT Police officers are more than happy to be challenged regarding ID, they have all seen the aftermath of dodgy con men getting into old-folks homes with fake Id's..

I would however be very polite and respectful when asking as officers are only human, if they think you are being stroppy they are easily able to return the favour....

steven e

yes.

DaffyDuck

Yes, and they have NO reason to get angry with you, infact these days they are often encouraging people to double check for ID, to prevent Fakes.

they wont get mad.

higgi_07

yes you can because you dont know if they are really an officer

tracey

yes you can. if they refuse then they are not genuine.

leoxxx

yep

frankturk50

Yes you can and they should produce their warrant card though some common sense applies and obviously they are not going to do it if they engaged in something like directing traffic or engaged in a public order situation.Most people dont know what they look like though.

blinds48

yes you can. Also remember they have to be wearing their hat in order to arrest you, strange as it may seem but its true. Ask for ID but also ask for a solicitor, just in case.

Bertie

Yes you can, numerous times when I've attended an address I've shown ID and I think it's a really good idea.
One guy wouldn't let me in untilI he had phoned my comms and confirmed a codeword (he was a bit paranoid though) and I'm happy with that. Don't know why everyone thinks we are all going to get all full of rage.
What I don't like is when someone is obviously being difficult with me, talking over me, demanding, shouting.
As with anyone, ask me and I'll do whatever I can, shout at me and yes, I'll be annoyed.

country bumpkin [sheep nurse]

every officer must carry warrant card with name rank and serial number.

disco

Unless you had suspicion it was not a real officer (eg you are in a bar and he is taking his clothes off) why would you want to see his warrant card?

even in uniform a police officer should show his/her warrant card.

Prodigal Son

Legally you're entirely within your rights, though they may be very unhappy with you afterwards...

I think that this is a great question and wish more people would make a stand instead of being run over by the powers that be.

Best of luck!!

snugglebumfury

yes you can,all part of human rights

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