Police officers can ask you to do things that most people can’t because they have a certain power and authority over us.
If someone came up to you on the street and said they wanted to tie your hands and take you away with them in their car, you’d promptly elbow them in the face and run for your life.
But if a police officer asked you to do the same, you’d offer your shivering hands and follow them wherever they wanted to go.
So, if you were talking to a police officer and he asked for your phone, would you have the power to resist?
Man Who Pretended To Be A Police Officer To Steal Phones Arrested
A 34-year-old man was arrested after he stole two mobile phones while impersonating a police officer.
According to Stomp, the incident occurred along Boon Keng Road on Sunday (5 Jan), at around 1.30am.
The man had approached two victims and allegedly identified himself as a police officer. He then asked them to surrender their mobile phones to him on the pretext of conducting checks.
You’re probably wondering why the victims didn’t ask for some sort of identification, but many people have an irrational fear of the police.
It may be because we’re conditioned to fear and acquiesce to authority from a young age.
Don’t question your teachers.
Why am I right? Because I’m your parent. Stop arguing.
After the two victims handed their phones to him, he left with the phones and did not return.
Arrested on same day
Fortunately for the two victims, officers from the Central Police Division managed to establish the suspect’s identity and arrested him on the same day.
Both mobile phones were also recovered.
The man will be charged in court on Tuesday (7 Jan) with personating a public servant and theft.
The offence of personating a public servant carries a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine, while the offence of theft carries a jail term of up to three years and/or a fine.
So, he’ll probably be behind bars for quite a while.
Public warned to be vigilant
You can’t really trust anyone these days, even police officers.
In a statement, the police reminded the public to be wary of people who may impersonate police officers for criminal purposes.
One should always ask for a police officer’s warrant card to verify his identity before complying with the instructions of the officer, police said.
“A genuine warrant card will have identification features such as the police crest, the photo of the officer, his name and NRIC number.
“When the card is tilted at an angle, the holographic word ‘POLICE’ will also appear below the officer’s photograph”, they added.
“When in doubt, please call 999 for assistance.” Calling the police on the police might be a bit strange, but at least you’ll be out of harm’s way.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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