Read more: Local, Crime, Fake Cops, Hidalgo County, Rio Grande Valley
HIDALGO COUNTY -- Nelda Gonzalez runs a police and tactical gear store in Weslaco, but is also in the business of keeping an eye out for those attempting to purchase supplies illegally.
"I easily can tell that they're not law enforcement" Gonzalez said as she explained suspicious or potential illegal purchases. "Or their body language or the way the walk in here like suspicious, they want to buy 20, 30 things at one time like holsters, and that's a big red flag right there!"
Gonzalez said due to the rise in home invasion cases, where criminals pose as police, she's taking certain measures to ensure her employees don't sell items to those who are not really police officers.
"One came in for 10 bullet proof vests which that's a big 'no no'"
Gonzalez said she also makes it mandatory that all clients have proper credentials before anything is sold. "People come in and get items but once they come to the register I can't sell it to them, because they have to have the credentials, and yes they tell me 'but my husband is a police officer', and I say 'I'm sorry', because it could be that they're not, and they're buying it for somebody else to take over to the other side (Mexico)"
While Gonzalez is taking these measures, there are other concerns for law enforcement officials who said equipment is being made available online and without proper credentials.
"One of the problems is that this type of attire whether it'd be black t-shirts with yellow lettering that says either FBI, Sheriff or Police, can be bought at almost any flee market" Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño said.
But impersonators bearing badges of dishonor should be worried because law enforcement agencies are cracking down on a rising tide of impostors. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño is coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies to identify suspects involved in pseudo cop raid or committing aggravated robberies while impersonating a police officer.
"What I have suggested about two years ago to one of our State Senators, is that he legislate a bill where it would enhance the punishment of anybody committing a felony while impersonating a police officer or by wearing attire that identifies him as a police officer" Sheriff Treviño said.
