Wearing popular Halloween costume may lead to imprisonment and unlimited fine

It's no secret that Brits love Halloween and scores of individuals are probably in the midst of figuring out what Halloween costume to wear for this year's spooky celebrations. After all, it's one of the best seasons of the year.

YouGov surveys suggest a whopping 37 per cent of adults aged between 18 and 24 intend to dress up for the festival this year with their expenditure likely to exceed £100.

With each Halloween costume option outdoing the last, it's no surprise that people are spoilt for choice this year. However, those pondering what ensemble to sport on October 31 need to steer clear of one particular getup that could land them in massive trouble.

Legal experts at Free Grants For Felons are flagging one Halloween costume that is decidedly not a joke: dressing up as a police officer. The seemingly harmless act can result in criminal charges and hefty fines.

Under UK law, impersonating a constable - or even donning a police uniform or kit in circumstances "likely to deceive" - is a criminal offence. Courts can impose an unlimited fine and up to six months' imprisonment, and police tend to take "fake cop" reports extremely seriously, particularly in bustling night-time environments.

So, if your Halloween attire this year convincingly imitates the real deal - think checkerboard caps, "POLICE"-marked hi-vis vests, rank slides, utility belts, imitation radios or body-cams - you may be considered to be impersonating or wearing a uniform likely to deceive. And you may want to think twice.

The legal experts say the risk goes well beyond spending a night behind bars. A conviction can be recorded, showing up on criminal record databases and potentially emerging during background checks for certain employment opportunities.

They warn: "Halloween is meant to be fun, but if your costume could make a passer-by reasonably think you're police - or you start giving orders, stopping people, or leveraging that look - you're risking an unlimited fine, a possible jail term, and a stain on your record that could affect future employment."

The experts have also put together safety guidance and warned about what could occur if someone is considered to be impersonating a police officer on or around Halloween.

The repercussions can include:

Immediate police intervention or arrest whilst identity and intent are verified.

Confiscation of costume/props and potential charge under the Police Act 1996.

Court penalties: up to six months' imprisonment and an unlimited fine for impersonation; related charges (e.g., obstructing police) can accumulate.

Long-term consequences: a criminal record affecting licensing and DBS checks for sensitive roles.

Further guidance for Halloween costumes:

• Keep it obviously fictional: detectives without insignia, film characters without real-world badges.
• Avoid any clothing marked "POLICE", checkerboard hat bands, rank slides, or realistic body-worn equipment.
• Don't pose as authority for a prank, stop people, or attempt to enter venues "as police."
• If you're unsure, opt for a different costume - there are countless alternatives that won't land you in court or facing a substantial fine.