Fake 14 year old Cop

He had a police uniform, a radio, and a ticket book and was ready for duty. But this so-called Chicago police officer was actually a 14-year-old boy. Now, the department is investigating how the boy was able to impersonate an officer.

Just 14-years-old, the boy showed up and reported for duty here at the 3rd District police station on Cottage Grove.

James Jackson, the Assistant Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, said “he was dressed in a complete authorized Chicago Police Department regulation uniform.“

And the boy was given an assignment.

Police held a news conference to explain what happened, how a teenager managed to spend five hours on the job before someone figured out he wasn’t a cop.

James Jackson said “the subject was partnered with another officer detailed for traffic assignment.“

Dan Dugan, the Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, said “this individual as identified a breech in security.“

Savvy enough to sign out a police radio and ticket book, the 14-year-old spent hours driving around the city on traffic duty before returning to the station where a senior officer realized there was something wrong with the young cop who said he was assigned to the 3rd District just for the day from another district.

Dan Dugan said “our preliminary investigation indicates he had an honest desire to be a police officer in that there was no malice or ill-intent.“

Turns out the 14-year-old was a former Explorer, part of the community policing program, where young kids in the neighborhood interact with police.

James Jackson said “we encourage young teens to interact with the police, but not under these circumstances.“

The boy isn’t being identified because he is a juvenile.

Police are trying to figure out how the teen acquired the uniform.

Meanwhile, the teen is facing one count of impersonating a police officer.