Talk about an identity problem points straight to the Peace Officer. He was not in uniform but was wearing a "bib". Police wear bibs?
If an officer wants respect he should wear a uniform, a hat, and a badge. There are many peace officers strolling around in POLICE t-shirts (which you can buy at any flea market), shorts, and tennis shoes. The victim probably had no idea he was being harrassed by a "real cop".
The trash collectors in many towns dress more proffesional than the police.