North Aurora, IL – The North Aurora Police Department is investigating a possible police impersonation incident, which occurred on July 27, 2022.
Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of East State Street on the Village’s east side early this morning at 1:11 a.m. to speak to a resident about a previous visit from a police officer. Upon arrival, officers learned that on July 27th at approximately 9:20 p.m., an unknown male arrived in a white pickup truck and rang the doorbell. The male was wearing what appeared to be a police uniform and outer vest carrier with duty gear and he spoke fluent Spanish and English. The male asked questions about a resident who was not home and the residents initially cooperated until they became suspicious and then refused to answer any more questions. The male left in the white pickup truck and was described as a Hispanic male, 30-35 years old, black hair, dark skin and wearing a police uniform.
At this time, the North Aurora Police Department has had no other incidents of this type but cannot rule out that the person was an actual police officer or official from an unknown agency. We have checked with local agencies who had no record of any of their officers being there last night. We decided to share this incident out of an abundance of caution in case the male is a police impersonator.
If you are suspicious of a person at your door who claims to be a police officer or other government official, we recommend:
- Asking to see the person’s police credentials, typically an official badge which has the agency name and a badge number along with an official identification card from the agency. North Aurora police officers carry or wear star-shaped badges and identification cards with their picture, name, rank, badge number, and the Chief’s signature.
- Call 911 and ask the dispatcher if the person at your door is a real police officer. If the person is not from your local police agency, they can dispatch officers to verify the person’s identity.
- If the person is dressed in plain clothes, politely ask them to have a uniformed police officer respond to verify their identity.
- Don’t open your door or let them inside your home unless you are satisfied that they are a legitimate police officer.
If you are driving and being pulled over by someone you think might not be a legitimate police officer:
- Make sure it is a marked police vehicle. If it is not marked, the emergency lights are usually built in on official unmarked vehicles and not just a temporary light placed on the roof or dash.
- Try to stop in a well-lit area or location with people present. Turn on your emergency flashers but keep your car running and lock your door.
- If the officer is in plain clothes, ask them what agency they represent and ask if you can contact their dispatch center to verify their identity. You can also ask them to have a marked police vehicle with a uniformed officer respond.
- Pay attention to what they are asking. Most officers will advise you of their agency and the reason for the stop and ask for your driver’s license and proof of insurance.
The North Aurora Police Department asks that you call 911 if you suspect you are being contacted by a police impersonator. If you believe you might have had contact with the male in this incident, please call (630) 897-8705.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Deputy Chief Scott Buziecki
630-897-8705, ext. 752
