Southeast Division became aware of suspicious social media accounts where a male was identifying himself as a law enforcement officer in May 2017.
On Friday, June 2, 2017, Southeast Division officers conducted a search warrant on a residence in the area of 30 Street and 22 Avenue. Police recovered a large amount of police equipment, uniforms, paraphernalia, electronics and identification documents.
Imran Hamid Khan, 24, was charged with personation of a peace officer (x5) and breach of recognizance (x5).
Khan is alleged to pose on social media as “Taylor Kayden” claiming he is a Staff Sergeant for the ERT Tactical Squad with the RCMP.
“Having a person pose as a police officer is disconcerting,” says Staff Sgt. James Matsune with Southeast Division Criminal Investigation Section. “Collecting law enforcement memorabilia can be a fun hobby, but it is absolutely inappropriate to portray yourself as a police officer and convince others you are as well.”
Police believe Khan introduces himself as a figure of authority, participates in car enthusiasts chat forums and meet-up groups. Police are still working to determine whether he wore a uniform in public.
Khan is believed to have created his own tactical unit called, “Strategic Incident Response Deployment Teams.” He may be creating his own law enforcement uniforms including shoulder flashes.
Shoulder flash allegedly created by Khan
“We believe Khan was posing as an officer and trying to recruit others and providing other law enforcement advice,” says Staff Sgt. Mastune.
“Taylor Kayden”
If anyone has any information about Imran Khan holding himself out as a police or peace officer, attempting to recruit others to join policing or the Strategic Incident Response Deployment Team and/or has received badging from Imran Khan regarding the Strategic Incident Response Deployment Teams, are asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.