Impersonating a public servant, also called impersonating a public officer or public official, is a crime or misdemeanor in several jurisdictions, consisting of falsely claiming to hold a public office and exercising, or attempting to exercise, that office's authority to induce another person to act. Documented cases have involved impersonation of a fire inspector, a city code compliance officer, a child protective services official, and immigration enforcement agents.
Facts
Classification Code18 U.S.C. section 912, the United States federal statute on falsely assuming to be an officer or employee of the United States 2 Typical PenaltyUnited States federal law: a fine or imprisonment of not more than three years, or both, for falsely pretending to be a United States officer or employee 2 Elements of OffensePretending to hold a public office and exercising that authority, or attempting to induce another person to do something 1 Notable ExampleCharges have been brought for impersonating a fire inspector 1 Classification
Offense GradeMinor or Summary Offense 1 Connections
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Source 18 U.S. Code 912, Officer or employee of the United States (Cornell LII)Section textQuote, Section text
Whoever falsely assumes or pretends to be an officer or employee acting under the authority of the United States
Sources
1. Impersonating a public servant, Wikipedia
Introduction
It consists of pretending to hold a public office and exercise that authority or attempt to induce another person to do something.
Introduction, examples of charges
There have for example been charges for impersonating a fire inspector
In Group: Impersonating Officials, Lead sentence
Impersonating a public servant, impersonating a public officer or impersonating a public official is a crime or misdemeanor in several jurisdictions.
View the Source2. 18 U.S. Code 912, Officer or employee of the United States (Cornell LII)
18 U.S.C. 912, penalty clause
shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
18 U.S.C. 912, opening clause
Whoever falsely assumes or pretends to be an officer or employee acting under the authority of the United States
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