The Selma Police Department (SPD) has received several inquiries from the public regarding a vehicle using blue lights to pull motorists over to conduct a robbery.

SPD Chief Spencer Collier said the same information is circulating social media as well.

Collier said the SPD generally does not release information concerning ongoing investigations.

“However, a single incident that occurred on Thursday, Nov. 15, warrants disseminating a few brief safety tips surrounding traffic stops,” said Collier. “Selma PD utilizes a few unmarked vehicles in patrol. Additionally, all vehicles in the Selma PD Criminal Investigative Division and most in the Special Operations Unit are unmarked. All three divisions within Selma PD conduct traffic stops. However, all Selma PD vehicles are equipped with ample blue lights and sirens.

“In the event of a traffic stop and the motorist is unsure if an unmarked vehicle using blue lights is legitimate, immediately decrease the speed of the vehicle well below the speed limit and activate emergency flashers. This will indicate to the officer that the motorist is aware of their presence. Continue driving at a slower speed to a public place. If at night, the motorist should proceed to a well-lit area. If a motorist is still unsure, they should call 911 or 334-874-6611, which is SPD Dispatch to confirm it is an officer attempting the traffic stop.

“If a traffic stop is conducted by a plain clothes officer, a Selma PD badge should be displayed on their belt or around their neck. If the motorist is still unsure, then politely ask for the officer’s credentials,” said Collier. “Selma police officers are trained to recognize the difference between a motorist following the safety tips as opposed to eluding. According to Alabama law, only the Chief of Police of a municipality or the Director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety can designate a vehicle to utilize blue lights. If someone is aware or concerned that an individual is using blue lights and they are not a statutory sworn police officer, they should contact the SPD or the State Bureau of Investigation.

“There is nothing to indicate that the misuse of blue lights to further criminal conduct is an ongoing problem in Selma,” said Collier. “However, the safety tips are good general information for the public to know.”