I wonder what has changed since I asked the Sheriff about the unmarked pick up trucks I saw a few months ago? Below is a portion of his reply to my questions:
Ms Wood,
We do employ a number of unmarked vehicles in our fleet. I cannot say for sure that the ones you have seen belonged to the Sheriff's office as most agencies use unmarked vehicles as well. I absolutely understand your concerns about this issue, for this reason unmarked vehicles are not used for traffic enforcement as a matter of our policy. When you see our unmarked vehicles on traffic stops alone, one of a couple of things are going on. Our policy prohibits deputies from passing a stranded motorist. I know that I personally stop with stranded or distressed vehicles 5 to 10 tomes a week (I drive a black unmarked SUV). Another reason an unmarked vehicle would stop a motorist is as part of criminal investigation (I.E. someone we have under surveillance). Lastly there are always circumstances in which we have to alter the policy to protect the safety of motorists. Such would be the case with a reckless driver, DUI, or dangerously aggressive vehicle. Those are really the only reasons you would see a WCSO unmarked vehicle stop a motorist.
Now to your question as to what action to take if you question whether or not the vehicle is really a law enforcement officer. I cannot give anyone permission to not stop however, turning your hazard lights on and reducing speed to show the Deputy you acknowledge their presence while you find a safe place to stop works well. Also you can call the sheriff's office to confirm that it is a deputy sheriff. Our vehicles are equipped with GPS to show their location. They also have to inform dispatch prior to stopping a vehicle so dispatch can tell you immediately if it is a deputy. Most importantly all Sheriff's personnel MUST be clearly identifiable to the public. A sheriff's star must be visible if the deputy has a firearm on. While security guards and even the general public can buy a badge that looks like a police badge, in the state of Florida it is illegal to sell, possess or display the Sheriff's star ( a five point star). As a rule they must be in full uniform to conduct a routine traffic stop. I hope I have answered your questions fully. Please feel free to call me personally if you need further information.
I saw this grey SUV parked at the intersection of Chat Holley and Highway 331 last night with lights flashing. There was also a marked WCSO car at the foot of the bridge. As far as I could tell, the SUV was not giving traffic tickets...no other cars were stopped at the time I drove past around 5:30 p.m.
