Arrested for playing police

Two policemen are to stand trial after being caught allowing two of their friends to pose as officers and to make their car look like a patrol vehicle, it emerged yesterday. It is alleged that the two officers gave their friends a portable wireless set used for communication between headquarters and patrol cars. The men used a white Citroen Xsara – which is the same make, model and color as some police patrol vehicles – to follow the two officers. The civilian vehicle was also fitted with a flashing light and siren. The two men were allegedly allowed to take part in four stop-and-search operations on suspects. The incident was only discovered when members of the motorcycle-riding Dias squad stopped the Citroen and found the flashing light inside. The police officers are to face charges of dereliction of duty and illegal use of police property. The two civilians will stand trial for impersonating police officers.