Campus Safety Notifies Campus of Possible Police Impersonation
Campus Safety, pictured in October 2024. (William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Katie Lauriello, Managing Editor & Lead Copy Editor
On Wednesday, Executive Director of Campus Safety and Associate Dean of College Life Alex Wiltz sent a campus-wide notice that a student was stopped by an individual claiming to be a law enforcement officer.
The individual asked the student for their “papers” on West Stevens Street. Local news sources including The Evening Sun and WGAL 8 revealed that the driver was a man in a dark-colored SUV wearing dark clothing. After investigation by the Gettysburg Police Department, it was revealed that this person was not a member of law enforcement, and they are continuing the investigation now as an impersonation incident.
Wiltz then gave advice on what to do if you are approached by someone you believe is not a police officer.
The first option is to ask the individual for their name and badge number, as a legitimate officer “will always provide you with their name and badge number.” Next, one can ask to see an ID if the individual is not in a “clearly identifiable uniform.” Then, one can verify the details of the ID quickly.
A person should also “be observant of the vehicle they are driving,” and ask what department the individual works for and for their identifying details if the vehicle does not look like a police car.
Finally, one can request a supervisor or call 911 in order to verify the individual’s identity. A legitimate police officer will allow either of these calls.
The email ended by encouraging people to report to the Gettysburg Police Department or Campus Safety if they have been questioned by someone who might not be law enforcement.
