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Impersonating a police officer

s.90Police Act 1996

With intent to deceive, impersonating a police officer or special constable, or saying or doing anything calculated falsely to suggest that you are one.

Impersonating a police officer · Police Act 1996, s.90Card 175 / 195

Points to prove

With intent to deceive
Impersonated a member of a police force or a special constable
Or made a statement or did an act calculated falsely to suggest that they were a member of a police force or a special constable

Key definitions

Intent to deceive – the defendant must intend someone to believe they are a police officer or special constable. Fancy dress or a stage costume with no intent to deceive is not this offence.
Statement or act – s.90(1): this covers words, such as saying “I’m police”, and conduct, such as flashing a fake warrant card.
Special constable – s.90(4)(b): a special constable appointed for a police area.
Article of police uniform – s.90(4)(a): any uniform, distinctive badge or mark, or identification document usually issued to police officers or special constables, or anything that looks like one.

Defences

s.90(3) – for possession of police uniform only: the defendant proves they obtained it lawfully and have it for a lawful purpose.

Good to know

s.90(2): a non-constable wearing police uniform in a way that is calculated to deceive (fine up to level 3, £1,000).
s.90(3): a non-member possessing an article of police uniform (fine up to level 1, £200).
The section is applied to the British Transport Police and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary by other Acts. Impersonating a PCSO or other designated person is a separate offence under s.46(3) of the Police Reform Act 2002.
Summary only, so the 6-month time limit for starting proceedings applies (s.127 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980). If the impersonation is used to gain money or property, consider fraud by false representation.

Legislation: Police Act 1996, s.90 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Summary only
Maximum penalty: 6 months' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine (level 5)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Impersonating a police officer: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for impersonating a police officer?

1. With intent to deceive 2. Impersonated a member of a police force or a special constable 3. Or made a statement or did an act calculated falsely to suggest that they were a member of a police force or a special constable

What is the maximum sentence for impersonating a police officer?

6 months' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine (level 5)

Is impersonating a police officer a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Impersonating a police officer is a summary-only offence: it is tried in the magistrates’ court.

What Act and section is impersonating a police officer?

Impersonating a police officer is an offence under the Police Act 1996, s.90.

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