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Written by: A. Smith
Published December 30, 2025 @ 11:20 AM ET
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – A man was arrested in Cobb County after police said he falsely claimed to be a law enforcement officer and even identified himself as one to responding officers, authorities said.
Cobb County police said officers were called to a hotel last Friday following an incident between the suspect and a hotel clerk. Investigators said the man, later identified as Charles Clare, refused to leave the property and told the clerk he did not have to because he was a police officer.
“When the hotel clerk asked him to leave, he identified himself: ‘Hey, I’m a law enforcement officer. I don’t have to leave,’” Cobb County police Officer Aaron Wilson said.
Police said Clare was not wearing a uniform and did not have a badge or official police identification. However, investigators said he presented officers with a graduation certificate from a Florida citizens police academy and a security clearance card indicating he was a security officer.
According to an arrest warrant, Clare told officers the certificate was from the Lauderhill Police Department and claimed he was retired from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Police said the certificate did not grant him any law enforcement authority.
“He was under the belief that being a graduate of the citizens police academy somehow gave him police responsibilities, which is not the case,” Wilson said.
Clare was arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer.
Cobb County police said incidents involving people falsely claiming to be law enforcement have become a recurring concern. Wilson said some impersonators go as far as purchasing police-style clothing and equipment to appear legitimate.
Cobb County Police Sgt. David Reid, who works with the department’s Citizens Police Academy, said it is important for the public to understand the program does not grant any authority or special status.
“We do emphasize they are aware they are not by any means given any special title or privileges because they have attended citizens academy,” Reid said. “It gives them a better view of what public safety is doing for them and how we use resources to serve the community.”
The Cobb County Police Department offers a 16-week Citizens Public Safety Academy that meets once a week. The department’s actual police academy lasts 27 weeks and requires full-time training, officials said.
Police encouraged residents interested in learning more about law enforcement to participate in official community programs and reminded the public to report anyone suspected of impersonating an officer.