Would-be police officer who stopped woman on Wiltshire Lane avoids jail

A security guard who posed as a police officer to stop a woman on a Wiltshire country road has avoided jail.

Future police officer Chris Green, 32, was driving a Ford Fiesta at about 30mph in a 60mph zone when the woman behind the wheel “became uncomfortable” and overtook him.

A moment later, Green overtook a woman who had blue lights on in her car.

Thinking she was being stopped by the police, she drove into Longsplatt in Box, near Corsham.

Green exited the vehicle and stood in front of her at her car window, telling her she was driving dangerously.

During the incident on May 6 last year, she asked him where he was from, and he replied something like this: “I work for law enforcement, with the local undercover crime unit, The Brotherhood.”

He began to walk around the vehicle, looking around.

When he noticed that her child was also in the car, he allegedly changed his tone and drove away immediately.

The victim stated that the arrest was “weird and odd” and that she “felt uncomfortable” throughout the interaction.

Police later arrested the defendant in Chippenham on 8 May.

When officers arrested him, a blue LED light bar, handcuffs and a baseball bat were seized from the vehicle.

Green, a security guard working at the Badminton Horse Trials, denied intentionally making the woman think he was a police officer.

He was convicted at a hearing at Swindon District Court on May 9 and appeared at the hearing today (Friday) to hear the sentence.

The defendant, of Nero Place, Peterborough, was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for two years. He must also pay costs of £620 and a surcharge of £154.

Inspector Matt Smith said: “This is a very disturbing and disturbing incident for the victim who had every reason to believe he was being stopped by a real police officer.

“Thankfully, Green left the scene and the victim immediately called the police, which allowed us to quickly locate Green and arrest him.

“We appreciate the significant impact these types of events have on the community, especially for women.”

He added: “If you have any doubts as to whether the officer you are dealing with is genuine, you can take quick steps to check their identity.

“You can call us on 101 or, if you think it is an emergency, call 999.

“Our officers will always understand if you would like to verify their identity at Wiltshire Police control room.

“I would also ask anyone who believes they have been the victim of a similar incident to call us on 101.”

Wiltshire Police also offers a simple verification process for the public to confirm an officer is on duty.

All officers can proactively offer to carry out a check to anyone they work with who appears concerned about their safety or vulnerable by putting their personal concern radio on loudspeaker and asking a member of our control room to confirm who they are and whether they are on the air. duty.

Any interested person may also request an inspection.