The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies around the state have experienced an increase in reports of law enforcement impersonators stopping Kansas travelers. So far, no travelers have reported injuries or stolen property during these incidents.
In many of the incidents reported, the impersonator is in a vehicle without official police markings, but emergency lights are used. The impersonator often questions whether the driver's travel is "essential," or asks for workplace documentation. The KBI cited Gov. Kelly's Executive Order 20-16, which says, "No individual leaving their home in order to perform an activity or function allowed under this order shall be required to carry or present any letter, identification card, or other paper proving they are allowed to leave their home." Executive Order 20-16 may be found in full here.
The KBI says anyone who feels that they are the target of an impersonator is allowed to slow down, activate your vehicle's hazard lights, and call 911 to confirm the vehicle following you is law enforcement. Anyone who believes they have recently been stopped by a law enforcement impersonator is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency and report the incident. In addition to notifying local law enforcement anyone can report the information online to the KBI or by calling 1-800-KS-CRIME.
