Phony cop gets busted after 25 years 'on the force'
LatestA man impersonating a police officer in Oak Harbor, Washington was arrested this week after he intervened to break up a street fight and called the cops for back-up.
A month-long investigation revealed that Jim Bailey, 69, has allegedly been impersonating an officer for the past 25 years, making it a second career of sorts.
As the details of his strange story come to the light, neighbors and officers are wondering how “officer” Bailey managed to keep his self-styled policing unnoticed by authorities for so long, especially since he wasn’t try to hide. Police say Bailey even placed ads in newspapers to offer his professional services around the state.
“He was listed as an officer doing certain trainings and things, so there became some concern that he was acting as an officer, maybe obtaining information that he shouldn’t be obtaining, maybe obtaining information that we need,” Police Chief Ed Green said.
Residents were also left shaking their heads.
“Twenty-five years, I mean, that’s a really long time,” local resident Jennifer McIntosh told local Fox affiliate Q13. “And for no one to even realize for that long a time is actually kind of terrifying in a way. Cause who else is out there doing it?”
Police are asking residents who have interacted with Bailey to come forward with information.
Daniel Rivero is a producer/reporter for Fusion who focuses on police and justice issues. He also skateboards, does a bunch of arts related things on his off time, and likes Cuban coffee.