Why advertise your "concealed" handgun with a badge?
I was just discussing this with an officer the other day. My concern (which also raise without my mentioning it) is that someone can claim that you were impersonating an officer - more importantly the bad guy can claim that you identified yourself as such in court and without witnesses you're SOL.
But, I disgree completely with the OP if his intent was to dis-respect the badge of an LEO by implying that a badge of an LEO and ccer are meant to allow someone to recognize that you are armed.
??? Not sure how anyone could interpret my post as disrespect towards LEOs. They weren't even mentioned.
The purpose of my post is to compare the intent of OCers with the intent of those who wear CC badges (hereafter referred to as "badgers"). On the surface at least the intents of both groups seem to be the same - to make sure that those around them know that they're armed for various reasons. Remember - not everyone who wants to OC can legally do so, so the badge is a substitute for an open-carried pistol (i.e. a way to let people know you're armed).
I'm simply pointing out that OCers and Badgers appear to be brothers-in-arms, so to speak.
Let me ask this - would you dedicated OCers out there wear a badge if you found yourself in a place where OC isn't allowed?? If not, why "no"?
TekGreg:227031 said:B2Tall, I take exception to your original premise only because I do believe that a police badge, because it is worn on the chest, is meant to identify a governmental authority figure. However, the only reason I ever wanted a badge was not to let anyone know I was armed - I am a staunch advocate of CC and keep the surprise element - but I always thought it would be immensely helpful if, as I call 911, I pull my badge out on my chain around my neck or uncover it on my belt and when police arrive they look at the two of us (perp and victim) and I say, "Legally licensed citizen!" as I hold the BG at gun point and the cop fires back "Let me see your badge!" at which point I hold up my chained badge around my neck or pull back my jacket to expose my (now) uncovered belt holder with badge. The police order, "Secure your weapon" and immediately sweep in, cuff BG first, then relieve me of my weapon, but the officers know I have been trained, had my background checked and do not have any intention of ending their life and therefore they are safe in trusting me.
Also, almost every state has a badge design or color that they have not employed for their law enforcement purposes. Everyone knows that the "Star in Circle" is U.S. Marshall, so why not assign a badge style that is NOT currently in use by LEOs of the state? Maybe a five-pointed star (no circle) or seven-pointed star that points downward that does not look anything like the shield that actual LEOs use? It's not a badge of authority but just an identifier. A symbol given to people that have paid in money, training and background checks to prove that they are trustworthy and of good character in a tense and dangerous situation when the police aren't sure which person with the weapon should be trusted.
Just my two cents worth, but I can see where it would be a valuable aide to LEOs instead of the problem everyone else sees. I think the people seeing the "badgers" as pretend LEOs going out and using them are the same as the people that saw CCW "Shall-Issue" as the return of gunfights in the middle of the streets - it's unsupported sensationalism.
Uh, if I understand correctly the suggestion is to carry the badge without carrying a gun?
G50AE:227056 said:Get it? The badge acts as a substitute deterrant.
Similar to how the CCW Cape works.
Similar to how the CCW Cape works.
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