New PC regarding badges on t-shirts?

[N6ATF]

Well since the arrow's pointing up and not to the side, you're saying you're stupid, in a multiple-personality kind of way.

[bohoki]

i'm confused so is it ilegal to wear these shirts and say nothing?

or do you have to walk around saying "not a cop" "hi there not a cop"

http://shop.newsmax.com/shop/index.cfm?page=products&productid=85

and what about the lapd coroner office selling the coroner tee shirts they make over $1000 a year on them shirts

http://lacstores.co.la.ca.us/ProductFrame.cfm?DID=10&CATID=1&ObjectGroup_ID=1&Product_ID=134&From=listall

[fullrearview]

I learned last night at a training/meeting that there's a new PC item regarding non-sworn volunteers and not being able to wear any silk-screened, embroidered or otherwise affixed badges on shirts in public if you're not a sworn LEO (or other such volunteer operating in official capacity under direction of a LEA). I was told "a legislator" decided it would be unlawful for someone not carrying a gun to have any type of badge on a shirt.

I know this is hardly 2A relevant, but it is about law and about LE...sooooo..if any cops/aspiring cops, pc junkies, attorneys, regular CGers, know, I'd like to know the section. I've been searching at findlaw for the last half hour or so and didn't find it.

Thanks!

sucks for anyone who bought a class t-shirt from my academy class this year!

[RP1911]

I have a couple of friends that are Enforcement Agents for the State. Not your traditinal law enforcement but more like statute and regulation enforcement. They have put in for badges due to the nature of their work (where work takes them and the inspections they do).

Will see if they get turned down or get issued badges.

[WokMaster1]

Behold my 538d compliant uniform sans intent! (official uniform and not the blue tshirt referenced in the OP) Quite handsome if I do say so myself...chicks dig it..especially my wife!

I thought that was a mall ninja......

[FreedomIsNotFree]

I know a guy in Hawaii, Big Island, that makes shirts with badges. They say F.B.I., include a badge, but if you look closely the badge says "From Big Island" with a picture of King Kamehameha.

A few months ago a stranger at the grocery store accused me of breaking the law for wearing such a shirt. I told him he should call the police if he thought a crime was being committed.

[N6ATF]

I wonder if this will lock those "CCW Badge" companies out of doing business in California...

Yeah, let's throw the whole idea of having a CCW out the window. LOOK AT MY SHINY BADGE! I HAVE A GUN!

Oh, and there were badges being made for ham radio operators too.

One thing though, can civilian ship captains wear badges on their ships? That Sea Shepherd guy wore a gold shield for a while until his badge was supposedly shot and it hit the kevlar.

[grammaton76]

Oh, and there were badges being made for ham radio operators too.

Gah... some of those guys make Cartman on his "authoritah" trip seem well-balanced.

I have many stories from certain sources, and thankfully I was not present for any of them.

[slowjonn]

I can't believe this went four pages without the obligatory...

"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges".

[Bill_in_SD]

It is all about intent!

The ballcaps are OK unless you say something like "I am a member of the FBI - Female Body Inspectors"

Then it is a misdemeanor.

[JDay]

Possibly. It does allow LE to press additional charges against those who violate the law, which I feel is beneficial.

You think its reasonable to be charged twice for the same crime?

[thatrogue]

I'm a recovery agent "repo" and just love "educating" uniformed LEO's of the specifics of 538d when they attempt to jam me up. They always stumble around with double speak when they realize I'm aware of the PC that effects what I do and don't do.

I cant wait to inform the next clown that the law was written as to protect the citizenry from ******* non-swore department personnel from over stating there authority. Nice.

Merry christmas btw

[Vectrexer]

Ordinary citizen equals = Dumb*** citizen?
Ordinary citizen equals = Smart*** citizen?

Just what is and ordinary citizen? One who believes in the constitution?

[rrr70]

So, I can not wear this shirt anymore?

[11Z50]

Yet another unnecessary, redundant PRK law. The feds issue badges to just about everybody, the branches of the military all have MP's, CID and OIG, and security guards can still wear badges. 538d does not apply to any of the above. This statute only applies to those who wear a badge with the intent to impersonate a California peace officer.