How to Spot an Undercover Cop

For all of those hairy situations, here are a few steps for identifying an undercover police officer. The only downside is that once these tips are public, cops will come up with ways around them. So it goes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look for identifying marks the officer may have forgotten to cover or get ride of. Belts, badges, hats, shoes, rings, watches and jewelry are common indicators.
2. Beware of the tea shades. Large, dark sunglasses are often what cops use to profile suspects; the same works in reverse. An undercover agent will not want active eyes to be noticed by suspects.
3. Notice personal hygiene. If someone approaches you, look for details like fingernail dirt, beard growth, split ends on hair, condition of clothing, colognes or perfumes, tooth decay and other markers that might distinguish the cop from the common man.
4. Mention something positive about police-related business in passing. Perhaps a recent news story, perhaps something you make up. See if you get a start from the suspected cop. Undercover agents are hired for sharp eyes and an ability to stay relaxed. But if ego enters the conversation, the suspected cop might give himself away through subtle gloating, pride or excitement that would not befit a regular citizen.
5. When in doubt, ask. Laws vary about how much a cop has to reveal when asked this sort of question, but you will get the point across and the cop will be outed—at which point she will either leave you alone or get the nasty part over with already.

Tips & Warnings

• Author assumes no legal responsibility, etc. and so forth.