Every year, men and women impersonate law officials.

Although most of these encounters are harmless, some result in serious problems.

But Iowa law enforcement officials don’t feel this is a major problem.

While working in Iowa, public information officer for the Iowa State Patrol Robert Hansen said he only recalls two instances in which an individual impersonated a police officer.

“They did not have authorized equipment in any aspect,” he said. “It wasn’t even close to what is actually used for the type of car and lights.”

However, he said he does remember a case in Missouri in which a young mother was killed due to a case of impersonation. He said the impersonator used a fake set of lights to stop the car.

“All of the authorized lights used are either a string of red lights or a combination of blue and red lights with the blue on the right,” Hansen said. “Although all different makes of cars are used, usually the colors distinguish the area they represent.”

The state patrol vehicles are either black or tan, Hansen said.

The Ames Police Department’s marked vehicles are usually blue and the Department of Public Safety’s vehicles are normally white, said Cpl. Rollie Link of the special operations unit for the Ames Police Department.

Both the Ames and Iowa City police use marked cars for traffic violations. Link said occasionally a marked car is called for backup. The person stopped can always ask for a marked car to be called in if he or she is uncomfortable with the situation.

Even if the person feels comfortable with the officer present, safety precautions need to be taken, Hansen said.

“During the day you have the opportunity to take a good look at who is approaching you,” he said. “Nighttime is more difficult. Either pull over and crack open your window just enough to communicate with the officer or drive to the nearest well-lit area.”

Suspicious drivers can ask the officer for his or her name and the agency he or she is associated with as well as request to examine their uniform for verification, Hansen said.

“I would bring a cell phone on any long trip,” said Sgt. Brian Krei of the Iowa City Police Department. “It can be used in case of a breakdown or if you feel threatened by your surroundings.”

“Driving alone should be treated the same as walking alone,” Link said. “Be aware of your surroundings and choose routes that are well-lit and well-traveled. Avoid dark areas, especially if you are pulled over.”

In any case when a driver feels threatened, Link said he or she should make as much noise as possible to draw attention to the situation. He suggested flashing headlights and honking the horn as many times as needed.

Link, Krei and Hansen all said there would be no repercussions from officers if drivers pulled over into a safe area.

“Be cooperative with the officer,” Krei said. “He or she knows there might be confusion.”