Jeremy Dewitte and The Psychology of Police Impersonators

From Sexual Deviance to Cop Wannabe to Hardcore Criminal

Jeremy Dewitte is an easy person to make fun of. You can find memes and caricatures all over the web. He even has a pseudo-fan club. But the crimes for which he has most often been arrested - impersonating a police officer - is not a harmless prank. Sometimes, it can be deadly. 

As a forensic psychologist, I've encountered many disturbing cases of police impersonation, but the story of recently arrested Jeremy Dewitte stands out as a particularly egregious example. Dewitte has been posing as a Florida law enforcement officer for over twenty years, exploiting the trust that citizens place in police authority and causing legitimate law enforcement officers unnecessary grief.  

Jeremy Dewitte

Dewitte's videos on YouTube provide a disturbing glimpse into his interactions with unsuspecting motorists. In one particularly egregious incident, Dewitte can be seen berating a female driver, calling her a "dumb white btch" and a male driver a "fck boy." When these imposters throw their weight around and harass their victims - which they often do - the psychological impact can be devastating, leaving them feeling violated and powerless and resulting in a breakdown in community-police relations. 

As we examine the Dewitte case in more detail, we can understand the psychological factors that drive individuals to impersonate police officers. By exploring these offenders' motivations and tactics, we can develop more effective strategies for preventing and combating this type of crime. 

A History of Trouble 

Jeremy Dewitte's criminal history dates back to 1998 when he was first arrested for impersonating an officer at eighteen. In 2005, Dewitte was convicted of lewd and lascivious battery sex with a minor, a serious offense that resulted in a year-long prison sentence. As a registered sex offender, Dewitte's chances of ever becoming a legitimate police officer were effectively destroyed. However, rather than deterring him from further criminal activity, this setback seems to have only fueled his obsession with masquerading as law enforcement.

After his release from prison in 2011, Dewitte doubled his efforts. He created a fake police force called "Metro-State Special Services." This fraudulent organization boasted a fleet of vehicles equipped with police-style lights and sirens and a team of individuals posing as officers. 

Between 2019 and 2022, he was arrested multiple times for police impersonation and related offenses, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and the consequences of his actions. His inability or unwillingness to comply with the terms of his probation has led to additional prison time and has further undermined any claims of innocence or rehabilitation. In January 2023, he was arrested for insurance fraud. He was released from prison in September 2023 for impersonating a police officer. His most recent arrest came in April 2024, when Dewitte was taken into custody for failing to report a vehicle ownership change.

The Elaborate Charade

Jeremy Dewitte's impersonation of police officers was not a simple matter of donning a costume and playing pretend. His tactics were elaborate and sophisticated, designed to deceive the public and the authorities. 

For instance, he routinely used vehicles resembling official police cruisers. He reportedly drove a white Ford Crown Victoria, a model commonly associated with law enforcement, equipped with flashing lights and sirens. This attention to detail allowed Dewitte to create a convincing illusion of authority, making it difficult for unsuspecting motorists to distinguish him from a genuine officer. He invested significant effort into crafting an authentic-looking uniform. He was known to wear a black or dark blue uniform shirt with patches, a badge, and a duty belt equipped with various police-style accessories. By meticulously replicating the appearance of an honest officer, Dewitte could exploit the trust and respect that citizens instinctively accord to law enforcement professionals.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Dewitte's impersonation tactics was his willingness to engage in illegal traffic stops and confrontations with motorists. He would pull over unsuspecting drivers, often under the pretext of traffic violations or suspicious activity. During these encounters, Dewitte would berate, threaten, and even physically intimidate his victims, all while presenting himself as a legitimate authority figure.

Dewitte recorded many of these illegal interactions using body-worn cameras and posted the footage on YouTube, seemingly reveling in his ability to deceive and control his victims. This brazen display of his criminal activities suggests a level of narcissism and a disturbing lack of remorse or concern for the consequences of his actions.

In 2021, Dewitte appeared on the Dr. Phil show, apparently to defend himself against the escalating public outrage his videos invoked. During the episode, Dewitte submitted to a polygraph test, during which the examiner questioned him about his police impersonation activities. He failed miserably. Despite this damning evidence, Dewitte remained defiant, insisting that he had not lied and was not being deceptive. His refusal to take responsibility for his actions, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, outraged viewers.

Law enforcement officials have expressed their own exasperation with Dewitte's criminal activities. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez has described Dewitte as a "frequent flyer" who seems to revel in the attention his crimes bring. Lopez has also criticized Dewitte's apparent lack of remorse, noting that he consistently fails to take responsibility for his actions or show any genuine desire to change his behavior.

But why? Why would someone invest so much time, energy, and money pretending to be something they are not? Let's examine what we know about the psychology of police impersonators. 

The Psychology of Police Impersonators

Jeremy Dewitte is neither unique nor a pioneer in his quest to masquerade as a cop. Historical accounts dating back to the late 17th century show ordinary citizens who were caught impersonating police officers. One study of twenty-nine London "Bobbie" impersonators between 1685 and 1701 found that the primary motive was to extort money from unsuspecting victims; a second motive was to coerce the "arrested" victim into sex by implying that they would ignore a trumped-up charge in exchange for sexual favors.  

We don't have any good statistics on police impersonators, but they're out there and, according to law enforcement experts, increasingly sophisticated. So far, in 2024, law enforcement has issued public warnings of a police impersonator in San Diego (attempted to lure children into his car), Sacramento, Seattle, Albuquerque, Marshall, Colorado, Atlanta, Apex, N.C., two cities in New Jersey, and Philadelphia. I could go on. 

Research has identified three main types of police impersonators, each with distinct characteristics and goals. The first type is the "common crook," whose primary motivation is financial gain. These individuals use the guise of law enforcement to extort money, steal property, or commit other forms of theft. They may target unsuspecting motorists, pretending to be officers conducting traffic stops, or they may pose as detectives to gain access to homes or businesses. The common crook sees police impersonation as a means to an end, a way to exploit the trust and authority of law enforcement for personal profit.

The second type of police impersonator is the "cop wannabe," an individual drawn to the power and authority associated with law enforcement. These individuals may have a deep-seated desire to be seen as heroes or protectors, but for various reasons, they have been unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means. They may have been rejected from police academies or have a criminal history that disqualifies them from serving as officers. For the cop wannabe, impersonating a police officer can fulfill their fantasies of power and control, even if only temporarily.

The third type of police impersonator is the "deviant," who uses the cover of law enforcement to act out sexual or other compulsions. These individuals may derive pleasure from the fear and submission of their victims, using their fake authority to coerce or manipulate others into compliance. In some cases, deviant police impersonators may have a history of sexual offenses or other psychopathology that drives their criminal behavior.

While there are no well-known cases of serial killers who primarily used police impersonation as their sole or primary tactic, there have been a few notable instances where serial killers have posed as law enforcement officers to facilitate their crimes. Ted Bundy was known to impersonate authority figures, including police officers, to lure his victims. In one instance, after tricking a woman into going with him to his car, he produced a badge and handcuffs, claiming to be a police officer and accusing her of crimes. John Wayne Gacy, another notorious serial killer, occasionally posed as a police officer to gain the trust of his victims and would sometimes show a badge or flash red lights on his car to make his victims believe he was a legitimate officer. 

Regardless of their specific motivations, all police impersonators rely on the trappings of law enforcement to avoid resistance and evade detection. While no one is harmed during most police impersonations, these cases illustrate how dangerous criminals can exploit the trust and authority associated with the police role and underscore the importance of public awareness and law enforcement vigilance in combating both police impersonation and the broader threat of violent crime in our communities.

This early incident foreshadowed a disturbing pattern of behavior that would persist for more than two decades. Dewitte's impersonation activities escalated, revealing a deep-seated fascination with law enforcement and a desire for power and control.

What Drives Jeremy Dewitte?

Based on the available information about Deitte's background, criminal history, and the nature of his impersonation activities, he seems to primarily fit the profile of a "cop wannabe," with potential secondary elements of the "deviant" category. I have not personally evaluated him. 

Dewitte's long-standing obsession with law enforcement, dating back to his first arrest for police impersonation at the age of 18, suggests a deep-seated desire to be associated with the power and authority of the police role. Given his extensive criminal record, including the conviction for lewd and lascivious battery sex with a minor in 2005, it is doubtful that Dewitte would have been eligible to become a sworn law enforcement officer. Most police departments have strict hiring standards that disqualify candidates with serious criminal histories, especially those involving sexual offenses.

Dewitte's chronic attraction to police impersonation may stem from various factors, such as a desire for respect, a need to compensate for feelings of inadequacy, or a sense of entitlement. His creation of the elaborate fake police force "Metro-State Special Services" indicates a level of dedication and investment in the fantasy of being a law enforcement officer that goes beyond mere criminal opportunism.

Dewitte's elaborate charade allowed him to fulfill his fantasies of power and authority while exploiting the trust and respect citizens typically accord law enforcement. Despite facing numerous legal consequences, including probation violations and additional prison time, he seemed unable or unwilling to abandon his criminal pursuits. This persistent pattern of offending suggests a deep psychological need for the power and control associated with the police role.

However, Dewitte's case also includes elements that could be associated with the "deviant" category of police impersonators. His prior sexual offense conviction raises questions about the potential for underlying sexual motivations or compulsions. The aggressive and abusive nature of his interactions with motorists, as captured on his body camera footage, suggests a level of sadistic or manipulative behavior that goes beyond mere role-playing.

It is not uncommon for police impersonators to exhibit characteristics from multiple profiles, and the boundaries between these categories are often fluid. In Dewitte's case, his primary motivation appears to be the desire to fulfill his fantasies of being a police officer, consistent with the "cop wannabe" profile. However, his history of sexual offending and the aggressive nature of his impersonation activities suggest the need to evaluate potential secondary elements of the "deviant" category.

As a forensic psychologist, I would recommend a thorough psychological evaluation of Jeremy Dewitte to understand better the specific factors driving his criminal behavior. This evaluation should include an assessment of his personality traits, any underlying mental health conditions, and his risk for future offending. By gaining a more comprehensive understanding of his psychological profile, we can develop targeted interventions and strategies to address his criminal behavior and prevent further harm to the community.

The Consequences of Police Impersonation

By presenting themselves as legitimate officers, police impersonators exploit most citizens' instinctive trust and compliance when confronted by law enforcement. They tend to target vulnerable victims who may be less likely to report the crime. These may include immigrants, individuals with criminal histories, or those too frightened or intimidated to come forward. When citizens experience or witness interactions with fake officers, they may become less likely to cooperate with or seek help from legitimate police in the future. This erosion of trust can have far-reaching consequences, making it more difficult for real officers to serve and protect their communities effectively.

By recognizing the typical profiles and tactics of police impersonators, we can develop more targeted strategies for prevention, detection, and intervention. These strategies may include increasing public awareness of how to verify an officer's identity, improving screening and background checks for law enforcement applicants, and providing better support and resources for individuals with a history of mental illness or criminal behavior. It may also include making it harder for the average citizen to purchase police gear. 

The consequences of Jeremy Dewitte's police impersonation activities have been significant, both for his victims and for the wider community. The viral spread of his body camera footage has brought his disturbing behavior to the attention of a national audience. At the same time, his failed polygraph test and repeated arrests have further eroded any remaining credibility he may have had. As law enforcement officials continue to grapple with the challenges posed by individuals like Dewitte, it is clear that a strong, coordinated response is necessary to protect the public and maintain trust in legitimate police authority.

How Do We Stop Police Impersonators? 

The case of Jeremy Dewitte highlights the importance of early intervention and psychological assessment for individuals who display an unhealthy fixation with law enforcement. By understanding the underlying motivations and risk factors associated with police impersonation, we can develop targeted strategies for preventing these crimes and protecting the public from the serious harm they cause.

Combating police impersonation requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the legal and societal factors contributing to this criminal behavior. By implementing targeted strategies and engaging in collaborative efforts, we can work to reduce the incidence of police impersonation and protect the public from its harmful consequences.

One key aspect of this approach is the need for harsher criminal penalties for those convicted of police impersonation. While some states have taken steps to increase the severity of charges and sentences associated with this crime, there is still significant room for improvement. By making police impersonation a felony offense with substantial prison time and financial penalties, we can clearly communicate that this behavior will not be tolerated and deter potential offenders from engaging in this dangerous and destructive conduct.

However, legal sanctions alone are not sufficient to address the problem of police impersonation. Educating the public on confirming an officer's identity and what to do if they suspect an impersonator is targeting them is equally important. This proactive approach can include information on the proper ways to verify an officer's credentials, such as asking for identification or contacting the local police department to confirm the legitimacy of a traffic stop or other encounter. By empowering citizens with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves, we can reduce the vulnerability of potential victims and make it more difficult for impersonators to operate successfully.

Law enforcement agencies also have a critical role in combating police impersonation. They need to train officers to recognize and understand the tactics used by impersonators and develop protocols for responding to reports of suspicious or fraudulent police activity. By fostering a culture of vigilance and awareness within law enforcement, we can improve officers' ability to detect and apprehend impersonators before they cause further harm.

Another critical aspect of combating police impersonation is addressing the fear and vulnerability of targeted communities. By building trust and establishing positive relationships between law enforcement and these communities—through community outreach programs, diversity and cultural competency training for officers, and partnerships with local advocacy groups—we can create a more supportive and collaborative environment that encourages reporting and helps to identify and apprehend impersonators. By demonstrating a consistent commitment to serving and protecting all community members, law enforcement can help reduce the fear and isolation that make specific populations more vulnerable to police impersonation.

Ultimately, combating police impersonation requires a sustained and collaborative effort that involves law enforcement, policymakers, and the wider community. By working together to implement harsher penalties, educate the public, improve law enforcement training, and address the needs of vulnerable populations, we can create a safer and more secure society that is resilient against the threat of police impersonation. Only through this comprehensive and proactive approach can we hope to effectively combat this insidious and dangerous form of criminal behavior.

The Bottom Line 

Jeremy Dewitte serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the dangers of police impersonation. His long history of criminal behavior, coupled with the sophisticated and elaborate nature of his impersonation activities, highlights the need for greater societal and law enforcement vigilance in combating this serious threat to public safety and trust.

Dewitte's actions not only traumatized his individual victims but also undermined the very foundation of trust and respect upon which effective law enforcement depends. By exploiting the authority and symbols of the police role, he eroded the confidence of the community in the legitimacy and integrity of those who serve and protect us. 

As a society, we must recognize the insidious nature of police impersonation and the profound harm it can inflict on both individuals and communities. We must demand that our leaders and policymakers take this threat seriously and work to implement comprehensive strategies for prevention, detection, and intervention. This plan includes enacting harsher criminal penalties, improving public education and awareness, and providing law enforcement with the training and resources they need to effectively combat this crime.

At the same time, we must also acknowledge and address the underlying social and psychological factors that contribute to police impersonation, building trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve, particularly those that may be more vulnerable or marginalized. It means providing support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues or criminal tendencies and creating a society that values accountability, transparency, and mutual respect.

The case of Jeremy Dewitte is a wake-up call for all of us – a powerful reminder of the need for constant vigilance and proactive efforts to combat the scourge of police impersonation. As the renowned jurist and legal scholar Louis Brandeis once said, "Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants." By shining a light on the dark and dangerous world of police impersonation, we can begin to expose its roots and develop effective strategies for eradicating it from our communities.