thoughts on carrying work shield?

[steve88]

First off, I am not a police officer.

Now that we have that out of the way...My agency is part of a county in NY, legitimate civil service job, tier 5, pension, benefits, everything. The agency issues us shields that are police style. Only thing is they say the agency, and do not say "police officer" on it. As far as I know we need to have some type of shield number for the tickets we write. Also we do NOT carry weapons.

Now the question, what would your thoughts be if you pulled me over and I had a duplicate of the shield in a wallet with my work ID next to it. The majority of my co-workers have duplicates and carry their shields but I don't know if it is a good idea since they look identical to police shields at a distance thus can create confusion and somehow be interpreted as "impersonating a police officer."

[LA DEP]

I would be more worried about the robbery suspect that is jacking you for your stuff that sees your 'shield' and decides to execute you (and possibly everyone with you) on the spot because he thinks you are a cop

[steve88]

I would be more worried about the robbery suspect that is jacking you for your stuff that sees your 'shield' and decides to execute you (and possibly everyone with you) on the spot because he thinks you are a cop

Damn, I didn't even think of that. Definitely not getting a badge wallet, thank you for pointing that out

[Abit2585]

IS it illegal for a civilian to own a police badge if its part of a collection of police memorabilia or something along those lines? i have a friend that collects badges and we've had this discussion many times about whether it's illegal to own them.

[Dinosaur32]

Steve....While it is not illegal to carry your badge. if you show it and try to get someone to act because he believes you are a cop, that is criminal impersonation. What does your agency say about carrying the badce? And does your agency permit the possession of dupes?

[LA DEP]

Damn, I didn't even think of that. Definitely not getting a badge wallet, thank you for pointing that out

Here is a very young Deputy from my agency that this happened to:

http://www.odmp.org/officer/14952-deputy-sheriff-shayne-daniel-york

[steve88]

Steve....While it is not illegal to catty your badge. if you show it and try to get someone to act because he believes you are a cop, that is criminal impersonation. What does your agency say about carrying the badce? And does your agency permit the possession of dupes?

To be quite honest, some people I work with truly think they are police officers...It's quite embarrassing. I don't quite understand the point of them carrying their shield. I tossed around the idea but I couldn't think of any purpose it would have. Personally, I would never show it to anyone for any reason, especially not to stop a crime because its simply not my place.

Agency is a joke. The department manual was last updated in 2002. It mentions nothing in regards to duplicates or carrying shield "off duty."

Here is a very young Deputy from my agency that this happened to:

odmp.org/officer/14952-deputy-sheriff-shayne-daniel-york

Wow, that is horrible

[SgtCHP]

First off, I am not a police officer.

Now that we have that out of the way...My agency is part of a county in NY, legitimate civil service job, tier 5, pension, benefits, everything. The agency issues us shields that are police style. Only thing is they say the agency, and do not say "police officer" on it. As far as I know we need to have some type of shield number for the tickets we write. Also we do NOT carry weapons.

Now the question, what would your thoughts be if you pulled me over and I had a duplicate of the shield in a wallet with my work ID next to it. The majority of my co-workers have duplicates and carry their shields but I don't know if it is a good idea since they look identical to police shields at a distance thus can create confusion and somehow be interpreted as "impersonating a police officer."

If you are going to carry a weapon off duty, it is generally required that you carry your badge and Departmental Identification Card. If you are not carrying a weapon, leave the badge at home and carry your ID card behind your drivers license. As LA Dep stated, a robber may not think twice. We have had a few LEOs killed off-duty when a persoanl robbery disclosed the officer was carrying a badge and no weapon.

[SgtCHP]

IS it illegal for a civilian to own a police badge if its part of a collection of police memorabilia or something along those lines? i have a friend that collects badges and we've had this discussion many times about whether it's illegal to own them.

Yes, it is legal for civilians to possess a LE badge in a personal collection. What is not legal is to carry that badge on their person in hopes of being recognized as a LEO - that is impersonation!

[Iowa #1603]

First off, I am not a police officer.

Now that we have that out of the way...My agency is part of a county in NY, legitimate civil service job, tier 5, pension, benefits, everything. The agency issues us shields that are police style. Only thing is they say the agency, and do not say "police officer" on it. As far as I know we need to have some type of shield number for the tickets we write. Also we do NOT carry weapons.

Now the question, what would your thoughts be if you pulled me over and I had a duplicate of the shield in a wallet with my work ID next to it. The majority of my co-workers have duplicates and carry their shields but I don't know if it is a good idea since they look identical to police shields at a distance thus can create confusion and somehow be interpreted as "impersonating a police officer."

I am not a cop either (anymore) . Nor am I covered under LEOSA.

I am, however a uniformed Law Enforcement Officer ...................sound funny, yep a real gray area but when out of uniform I am just like Joe Blow Citizen

I have a badge, it never leaves my uniform shirt except to change shirts. If you see me anywhere you can assume I am carrying a gun.. I carry two items in my wallet in conjunction with that gun. My work ID and my weapons carry permit. BOTH look very similar to my drivers license.

If I screw up and get stopped by a police officer---------------------the last thing I want that officer to know is that this old retired officer was stupid enough to get pulled over.. He wont' know my status as a LEO until after he has decided what to do .

In case you don't' believe me----the last time I was issued a citation , as I was signing the ticket I told the deputy that I used to wear the same badge he was wearing......not only the same department but he had my old badge number


Like I said, I knew better

[CruiserClass]

The only reason for those guys to carry a badge is to pretend to be something they aren't or to flash it to try and get out of traffic tickets.

Reminds me of the conversations on here years ago when TSA guys were carrying cloth badges in a badge wallet and flashing it on traffic stops.

[NYCDep]

In NYC, a LOT of agencies have shields, including Sanitation, Fire, Parks, DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and not even just their officers, but also the guy's who dig holes for water mains. You can go to a police store and find shields for many jobs that don't officially issue them.

That's why I never react to a shield alone and always take the time to read what the shield says. I won't arrest you for impersonating if you aren't, but the shield isn't buying you any additional courtesy either.

[mayburymh]

If you are going to carry a weapon off duty, it is generally required that you carry your badge and Departmental Identification Card. If you are not carrying a weapon, leave the badge at home and carry your ID card behind your drivers license. As LA Dep stated, a robber may not think twice. We have had a few LEOs killed off-duty when a persoanl robbery disclosed the officer was carrying a badge and no weapon.

Not meaning to shift the focus of the thread, but is your ID really small enough to fit behind your driver's license?

[jeffIL]

Um....how big is yours?

[mayburymh]

Um....how big is yours?

Just a little smaller than a 3x5 index card, just eyeballing it.

EDIT: Just measured them (it's two cards). Both are 2 7/8" x 4 3/4", give or take an 1/8th of an inch or so.