Police uniform

[ftran999]

Can anyone tell me the purpose of the cop uniform obtained after the completion of the Copland mission. I remember while playing this mission (more times than I cared to count since for me this was a difficult mission), after Lance and Tommy obtained the police uniforms I was able to rob stores, mug people, etc with impunity. However, when I put on the uniform I got from the Police HQ if I tried to rob a store for example it would set off wanted levels. I also tried the vigilante mission but after killing the suspect that also set of the wanted level. My guess is that the uniform does have a purpose that will become apparent as the game goes on. I am right?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Justin]

I'm pretty sure the police uniform doesn't allow robbing of stores and such without getting a wanted level - think about it, if a normal cop just went in a robbed a store (in real life), he's not going to get away with it just because he's in uniform.

 

But yeah, the cop uniform allows you to walk around Fort Baxter Army Base without being shot at by the army; and you can walk around the Police HQ (further in than the 'no civilians past this point' sign) if you're wearing the uniform, without gaining a wanted level.

 

I think that's all.

[Demarest]

and you can walk around the Police HQ (further in than the 'no civilians past this point' sign) if you're wearing the uniform, without gaining a wanted level.

I don't think that's entirely true. I'm rusty on the subject, so forgive any inaccuracies. The way I remember it (it's been awhile) if you go in in uniform, but with a weapon armed, the guy at the desk will say something about putting away your weapon. If you continue past that point still armed, you WILL get a wanted level. And I dare to be so bold as to additionally submit that I seem to recall that the nightstick was one weapon that you COULD carry past that point.

 

Anybody at that point in the game willing to verify?

[Justin]

and you can walk around the Police HQ (further in than the 'no civilians past this point' sign) if you're wearing the uniform, without gaining a wanted level.

I don't think that's entirely true. I'm rusty on the subject, so forgive any inaccuracies. The way I remember it (it's been awhile) if you go in in uniform, but with a weapon armed, the guy at the desk will say something about putting away your weapon. If you continue past that point still armed, you WILL get a wanted level. And I dare to be so bold as to additionally submit that I seem to recall that the nightstick was one weapon that you COULD carry past that point.

 

Anybody at that point in the game willing to verify?

I just tested it.

 

Apparently you don't get a wanted level. I went in dressed up as a cop, and was able to walk freely past the 'no civilians past this point' sign whilst weilding every weapon in my inventory (including a Colt Python, Minigun, etc).

 

Although I didn't see a guy at the desk upon entry. I figured he might not have spawned or something, so I left the area (went down to Ocean Beach) and returned, and he still wasn't there.

 

I was using a 100% saved game, though, so I don't know if this is a benefit/glitch of reaching 100%. I highly doubt it, though. I'm sure you'd know, Dem.

[Demarest]

It's not a benefit as far as I know. However some benefits are side effects unlocked by the EXE, so it's possible.

 

Wonder why that is. I distinctly remember there being a guy at the desk all the time and I remember him at SOME point talking to me about my weapon. Maybe I was a civilian at the time. Who knows.

[Justin]

It's not a benefit as far as I know. However some benefits are side effects unlocked by the EXE, so it's possible.

 

Wonder why that is. I distinctly remember there being a guy at the desk all the time and I remember him at SOME point talking to me about my weapon. Maybe I was a civilian at the time. Who knows.

I too have a recollection of that.

 

Come to think of it, did he only spawn during the mission 'No Escape'?. That seems quite a valid possibility in my eyes. I'll test it, change a few variables (clothing, story-line progress, etc.), and get back to you.

[dr. hobo]

that cop only appears during "no escape?".

[Justin]

OK, I've tested it, and got some results.

 

During 'No Escape?', three cops are spawned behind the desk to your right upon entering the Washington Beach HQ (one standing, two seated). Obviously you must enter the HQ as a civilian, but you have the option of following the games prompts and getting the cop uniform from the locker room before doing anything else, or attempting to progress without the uniform. Now...

 

• If you enter, and then turn to your left and follow the prompts to enter the pink marker and obtain the police uniform, you'll be able to pass the 'No civilians past this point' sign whether you're holding a weapon or not.

 

• If you enter and progress without a uniform (ie. as a civilian), as soon as you get near the 'No civilans past this point' sign (regardless of whether you're holding a weapon), the cop who is standing yells "ONLY AUTHORISED PERSONEL BEYOND THIS POINT", and you'll be left with a 4 star wanted level and the whole department shooting at you. At this point, the pink marker which would normally allow you to obtain a police uniform (in the locker room) disappears.

 

• If you enter holding a weapon, as soon as the interior loads you'll be greeted with "PUT THAT WEAPON AWAY OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES".

 

These guards are only spawned behind the desk during the mission 'No Escape?'.

[Statico]

I don't think there are any other benefits though apart from the police station.

[Justin]

I don't think there are any other benefits though apart from the police station.

Well, there's also the benefit of not being attacked/pursued at Fort Baxter Army Base. I find this most helpful when I'm trying to get in the Rhino or the Hunter. It can be a huge pain to try to commandeer one of these vehicles with a bunch of continually spawning army guys after you.

 

I never really make use of the entire police HQ being available to me. I don't think there's any benefit in this aside from that which is apparent in the mission 'No Escape?'.

[Demarest]

Cool on all counts. Thanks, Fuzzy. Have a cigar

[ftran999]

I found out the purpose of the uniform. I don't know why I didn't think of this in the first place. Putting on the uniform will eliminate any wanted levels you might have, just as driving into a Pay-and-Spray or getting a new outfit at the clothing store would.

[Peeranoia]

umm usually a set of "clean clothes" (clothes icons) takes 2 stars away.. sooo,,, but maybe you mean if you get the cop unioform as your clean clothes it will take away all your stars?? ill try it later maybe

[Kon.]

Well, there's also the benefit of not being attacked/pursued at Fort Baxter Army Base. I find this most helpful when I'm trying to get in the Rhino or the Hunter. It can be a huge pain to try to commandeer one of these vehicles with a bunch of continually spawning army guys after you.

 

Why not grab the hunter from the spot in the first island near Colonel Cortez's?

[Spuds725]

Thats easier if you have the prerequisites done (completed storyline and collected all hidden packages).

 

I like the challenge of stealing the hunter without the uniform from the base-- I've flown in and entered on foot-- the key is killing the soldiers that are in firing range of the hunter when you take off (if there are any)--- I can usually do this about 1/2 the time and survive.

 

The Rhino is pretty easy without the uniform

[Justin]

Well, there's also the benefit of not being attacked/pursued at Fort Baxter Army Base. I find this most helpful when I'm trying to get in the Rhino or the Hunter. It can be a huge pain to try to commandeer one of these vehicles with a bunch of continually spawning army guys after you.

 

Why not grab the hunter from the spot in the first island near Colonel Cortez's?

Well yeah, but as Spuds said, it's only a viable solution if you've completed both the required tasks to have the Hunter spawn there.

 

 

I like the challenge of stealing the hunter without the uniform from the base-- I've flown in and entered on foot-- the key is killing the soldiers that are in firing range of the hunter when you take off (if there are any)--- I can usually do this about 1/2 the time and survive.

 

The Rhino is pretty easy without the uniform

Wow. I can pull that off by flying in, but I have a success rate of roughly 1/5 at best. And even then, the Hunter ends up smoking badly.

 

As for the Rhino, I agree, it's pretty easily doable without the uniform, but it's still less of a hassle with it. I usually grab a car and get in it quick smart if I'm not donning the cop uniform.