In some cases, municipal plates may be stamped with the letters “MU” at the end. [2] X Research source Some unmarked cop cars are even required to have tags bearing the name of the local police department.
Keep in mind that retractable power antennas may not be visible at all times. Nowadays, more and more cop cars are being outfitted with puck antennas, which are short and round and made to blend in with the car’s paint job. These can be harder to catch, but they still have a fairly distinct look.
If you don’t see a light bar on the grill, take a peek at the bottom of the rear windshield, just above the back row of seats. It may be in one place and not the other. It’s not legal for civilians to drive cars equipped with emergency lights, so if you see them, you can be sure that there’s an officer behind the wheel. [5] X Research source
The majority of civilian vehicles with push bumpers are larger models, such as Hummers, Jeeps, and pickup trucks. Police departments, on the other hand, are known to install them on sedans, owing to their superior speed and maneuverability.
The presence of tinted windows alone isn’t enough to be sure that a given vehicle is being driven by a police officer, but it can be a major tell when taken with other clues.
Most police departments insist that their officers adhere to high grooming standards—higher than the average person on the street. Hairstyle alone isn’t enough to go on. It’s not unusual for cops in deep cover assignments to grow out their head and facial hair to make themselves less likely to be identified. [9] X Research source
Keeping one or both hands stuffed inside their jacket pockets can also be an indication that there’s something in there they want to be able to grab in a hurry.
Hoodies are especially popular, as they allow officers to cover their heads and remain inconspicuous. Making out the name or logo of a generic store brand on an article of clothing (such as Mossimo, Merona, or And1), should only strengthen your suspicion.
An undercover officer’s cargo pockets aren’t just there for decoration—more often than not, they’ll be full. By contrast, a careless cop might also make the mistake of wearing an expensive pair of jeans with other less fancy “show” garments. [13] X Research source
Police officers have a preference for neutral colors like black, brown, and gray, as they’re much more low-profile than bright colors and flashy designs. It’s not so much a matter of the shoes themselves as the way they’re matched with other clothing and accessories. How many people do you know who rock tactical boots with a Chargers hoodie and khaki cargo pants?
If you discover that the person you’re talking to is concealing a firearm, it’s wise not to say anything to them about it, whether they’re a police officer or not.
There’s a difference between someone who’s just trying to make small talk and someone who seems like they’re after something. If you start to receive pointed questions, such as, “How old are you?” or “Do you know the person who’s throwing this party?”, consider it a red flag.
Ask yourself what it is about the person that sets them apart from everyone else around them: is it the way they look, the way they dress, or the way they’re acting?
Two people with significant age or cultural differences hanging out alone on a street corner, for instance, may be there for police reasons rather than personal ones.
People are complex. Don’t be so sure that someone is an cop just because they turn down a drink or tell you that their favorite TV show is The Wire.
Some people believe that if you ask an undercover officer if they’re a cop, they’re obligated by law to tell you the truth. This doesn’t actually work in real life, and you could cause trouble by posing the question at the wrong time or place. [20] X Research source
