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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Can you tell the difference between a real law enforcement officer and a fake one? That was the topic in Friday’s ‘Facebook Story of the Day’.

According to the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, you should always look for a logo or some sort of signage that indicates what agency that officer belongs to.

Not only that, you should always pay attention to what the person is wearing. Most impersonators usually don’t get the details right when it comes to the uniform.

 “I will go ahead and speak for my agency, my deputies are required to wear a certain type of uniform during their daily activities, but during special occasions, they might wear a different uniform, but it clearly identifies them as sheriff’s deputy with the Adair County Sheriff's Office,” said Sheriff Robert Hardwick.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for some sort of identification.

“You can ask the officer for their identification,” Sheriff Hardwick said. “My deputies are required to carry one with them and show that upon request.”

As for the Kirksville Police Department, all their officers are required to drive around in marked cars and in uniform.

They also have their last name and badge number clearly marked on their uniforms.

There are instances where a law enforcement official may be in an unmarked car during a special assignment.

“For the most part the officers are clearly identifiable, all my deputies are clearly identifiable with their uniforms and their cars,” said Sheriff Hardwick. “However; we do have a couple cars that are unmarked, but for the most part when we pull someone over we are in a marked vehicle, or a deputy will be in uniform.”

Law enforcement officials also remind you to pay attention to the patrol car because, more than likely, a false cop will not spend the money on appropriate lighting.

Police say if a real officer pulls you over at night, they will be in a well lit car.

And always remember, if you are still hesitant about being pulled over, put your flashers on and call 911.

“On occassion we might be contacted in regards to a situation like that, but very rare does it happen here,” said Sheriff Hardwick. “Usually, if we get information like that, all agencies are looking for that individual to find out whom they are, and the reason why they are doing it.”