Citizen Pulls Cop Over, Gives Warning

Unmarked Police Cars: Gavin Seim Pulls Over a Deputy for an Unmarked Car Violation

So I Made This Traffic Stop Today…

It was spontaneous — I had about sixty seconds from the moment I thought “Now is the time to address this,” to the moment I flagged the officer over and began the encounter.

Email Sheriff Tom Jones at tjones@co.grant.wa.us and ask him to get Grant County and its subordinate agencies in compliance with the law.

In Washington, unmarked police vehicles are operating unlawfully. It’s illegal for public vehicles to be unmarked unless designated for “special undercover or confidential investigative purposes.” This was not the first time the Grant County Sheriff’s Office heard about it—I called a month earlier and filed an official report.

Accountability and Respect

Tolerating lawlessness doesn’t fix anything. I often get criticized for taking up liberty issues, but standing firm works. Deputy Canfield handled this encounter respectfully and was informed of the law. Officers who treat people with respect should be commended; those who don’t should be held accountable.

Why Unmarked Vehicles Are a Problem

Unmarked police cars often entrap citizens for minor infractions—this isn’t “serve and protect,” it’s “harass and collect.” These cars also create safety risks. Criminals can impersonate officers, leading to kidnappings, assaults, and worse.

People have been attacked and even killed because of unmarked cars. Washington law rightly requires all municipal and police vehicles to be marked unless they meet special exemptions—and patrol vehicles do not qualify.

Know the Law and Protect Yourself

If you’re stopped by an unmarked vehicle, don’t flee—but don’t pull over in a dark, isolated area either. Acknowledge the officer, then drive to a well-lit, public place. You can call 911 to confirm the officer’s legitimacy and request ID if unsure.

Always film every police encounter. Recording protects both you and the officer. It’s our responsibility as citizens to ensure government accountability—lawful authority must always remain under the consent of the governed.

Final Thoughts

This issue isn’t only about unmarked cars—it’s about transparency and lawful authority. If we all stand firm and insist on accountability, we can preserve liberty and safety in our communities.