Senate Passes Hall Bill Imposing Harsher Penalties for Impersonating Law Enforcement

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate has advanced legislation from Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, that would make it a felony to falsely impersonate a law enforcement officer. 

The Senate on Monday unanimously passed Senate Bill 1936 in a vote of 48 to 0. 

Hall said the legislation stems from several recent incidents in Oklahoma in which individuals have posed as law enforcement officers. Falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer is currently a misdemeanor crime.

“Oklahomans need to be able to trust that the person pulling them over or knocking on their door in the middle of the night truly is a law enforcement officer who has public safety in mind,” Hall said. “It’s scary to think that anyone would pretend to be a member of law enforcement to deceive someone. Unfortunately, bad actors keep trying to pass themselves off as someone they’re not. Increasing the penalties for this crime is a natural next step to dissuade this criminal behavior, protect Oklahomans and maintain law and order.” 

Under this legislation, anyone who violates the law could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

SB 1936 now advances to the House, where it is coauthored by House Appropriations Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon. 

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For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.