How can I tell if someone is an undercover cop?

If someone in plainclothes asks for your identification or anything else in the way a police officer would, you are wise to ask to see both their badge and police identification card. The badge should indicate the officer's agency and possibly his rank; the ID card should have the agency name, the officer's name and photo, and possibly a badge or other identifying number (designs of ID cards vary considerably). Take as much time as you need to satisfy yourself that the person described on the ID card is the one standing in front of you.

I was once detaining a prisoner in court for a U.S. Immigration agent. When the agent appeared (in plainclothes, as they did not wear uniforms), I asked to see his ID. He gave me the standard fed "cred case" with his badge and credentials. I read the cards, told him, "Looks good to me," and took him to the prisoner. I noticed him smiling a little. I asked, "Think I'm being over-cautious?" He replied, "Not at all. You're just the first person in 12 years who has ever done that."

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