SMITHS STATION, Ala. – A former Columbus Police Department employee has been charged with impersonating a peace officer after allegedly using an outdated police identification card during a traffic stop in Lee County.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Friday, July 31, when a deputy stopped a vehicle in the 200 block of Lee Road 600 for displaying an expired registration tag.
As the deputy approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, he observed the driver, identified as 32-year-old Shaina Miller of Phenix City, holding a wallet with a clear plastic sleeve containing what appeared to be an identification card.
Investigators said Miller removed the card from the wallet, placed it on her lap and then handed the deputy her driver’s license.
When the deputy asked about the identification card, Miller reportedly responded, “CPD,” and stated that she was a police officer.
After completing the traffic stop, the deputy contacted the Columbus Police Department and learned that Miller was no longer employed by the agency.
The deputy later located Miller in the area and conducted a second traffic stop.
During that encounter, Miller surrendered her Columbus Police Department identification card and acknowledged that she had left the department in 2024, according to investigators.
The Sheriff’s Office said Miller also admitted she had previously used the police identification card to avoid receiving traffic citations during other traffic stops.
Miller was arrested and charged with felony impersonating a peace officer. She was transported to the Lee County Detention Center, where her bond was set at $3,000. Jail records show she has since been released on bond.
“The Lee County Sheriff’s Office continues our vigilance in detecting and preventing any actions that undermine the men and women engaged in providing professional public service,” Sheriff Jay Jones said in a statement. “Impersonating a law enforcement officer is an affront to law enforcement and the public and should never be tolerated.”
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
The investigation remains ongoing.