Q&A for How to Spot Undercover Cops

It's a common misconception that undercover cops have to identify themselves as police officers if you ask them. Cops in plainclothes do have to identify themselves if they're acting in an official police capacity such as arresting you or requesting identification. However, if a cop is undercover and on an operation, then no, they do not have to identify themselves and are allowed to lie to you about their identities.

Undercover cops do not have to identify themselves, so you'll have to use other clues to figure out if someone is a cop. You could check their vehicle to see if it has nondescript plates or dark window tinting that looks like a cop car. You could also check their appearance for hints. If they have short, neat haircuts and are wearing cargo pants or shorts, it could mean they're a cop. They may also try to earn your trust quickly, even though you don't know who they are, so be wary of overly-friendly strangers.

Yes, undercover cops who are on an assignment are allowed to drink up to 2 drinks in order to maintain their cover. However, off-duty cops in uniform or plainclothes cops who are on duty aren't allowed to legally drink. If you suspect a cop is drinking when they shouldn't be, contact your local police department to report it.

You don't. If it's an undercover cop, they are present to do their job. You can't just throw them out.

Legally, they don't have to disclose if they are or not. Even if you ask in private, they still aren't required to tell the truth.