Halifax police seek witnesses after reports of man impersonating an officer in park

Police received information of a man in Clayton Park wearing a black hat that read “RCMP-POLICE-GRC” at about 1 p.m. on Sunday. The man was in a light grey sedan located at 61 Chadwick Place.

"When asked what he was doing there, the man stated he was with Halifax Regional Police and was watching the trails in the area," said the police news release.

The man had left the area by the time police arrived on the scene.

Police chief Dan Kinsella referred to the act as “highly irresponsible” on Twitter.

"It's extremely important to be mindful of the impact such actions and words can have on many others," Kinsella said.

The man is a white man in his 50s with a grey mustache and a large build. He was wearing a black nylon shirt with a zipper as well as the black cap.

People with information on the incident are asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. You can also anonymously submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.

HRP noted that citizens can request identification from police officers.

"In addition to the officer presenting their ID card and badge, Halifax Regional Police want citizens to know they can also call 902-490-5020 to confirm the identity of a police officer," police said in a news release.

"In any emergency situation, please call 911."

Police are paying more attention to reports of this kind after the NS shooter responsible for the largest mass shooting in Canadian history impersonated police in order to go unnoticed for a longer period of time.