Driving to spain

Micky.  “John - Spanish cops of all types have their ID registration on display on their uniform blouse as do genuine security guards. Always look for that.”

You maybe right but having worked with national police for over 20 years I have never seen an officer wearing any sort of ID which shows their name.  I have always had to ask officers their name if I needed to know.   I certainly would not recognise an ID as genuine or fake   

However Micky of a person was impersonating a police officer as you imply could happen, I guess they would be wearing something which a reasonably good copy of a genuine badge.  I’d go with your call 112 advice if in any doubt.

The same goes, and is more likely you may he stopped by an officer in plain clothes    

In my town, unlike on U.K., I know there are a lot of officers working in plain clothes, whom most would not recognise as police,  especially those on ‘under cover’ specialised duties.

I meant their ID registration number not a name.

I was once stopped on the motorway near Teruel by a plain clothes Guardia Civil car equipped with radar. Admittedly I was speeding on a deserted road. It took him a lot of effort convincing me he was genuine before I handed over the cash fine. When I told him they were not much better than highway robbers he threatened to arrest me. Then I knew he was the real thing.

I will look next time I see an officer for a number,  but I think this is an image of a genuine badge.

  The second image, but not clear, is a photo I took of an actual officer wearing his badge at an official function I attended .  It looks the same, cannot see a number

This message was last edited by johnzx on 10/05/2019.

This message was last edited by johnzx on 10/05/2019.

John, you can buy both badges on ebay £10. So much for internet control!

Kav

Thanks for supporting my view that seeing a badge is no confirmation that a person is a police officer

The officer's personal identity number is engraved on the breast badge. That applies to ALL Spanish police officers and security guards.

Of course, such things can be copied but any officer will seek to prove and reassure his correct identity if you request it.

Yes Micky, I am sure any bogus police officer will reassure you of his correct identity if you request it.

😂😂

If you read that post again Kavangh you will realise how amusing it was or maybe that's your intent?

Good photo of the Spanish cop with suit and tie....How did you get around the 'Gag Law'.

Baz.  The photo is a section selected from a group photo of about 25 senior officers (inspector to Comisario) at an official function which I have attended for many years.  Very relaxed atmosphere. 

Thought it was against Spains law to take, and or share photos of police officers under any circumstances,  I know a motorist that got fined because she did exatly that when pulled over, seems they are quite strict about this, apart from the fines being a money earner of course, which are high.

Hi 

I do not know the precise details regarding the restrictions on taking photos of the police, however, at the functions I referred to,  many photos are taken, including by the media who take photos of the officers being awarded medals for long  or outstanding service.  I assume the pics are then published.  

The photo I took the small section from, carefully not including anything which could lead to ID, was taken by a civilian who was clearly standing in front of the group.  So not of any concern to the officers.  

I am slightly confused when photos in the press and tv coverage, sometimes show faces of officers whlist others have faces blurred out.  Maybe someone can explain why that is.

.This is an extract from The Guardian newspaper 

PS.  I checked with the police.  The badge they would normally wear on their uniform when on the street, does have their  number engraved on it.  The badge they often wear when on duty in a police station does not have any identifying number.   When they are on riot type duty, the number is on the back of their protective helmet.

PPS.  I asked about faces being shown on photos but the answer was not a clear cut one, so still a bit of a mystery