Got asked an interesting question today

[The Unknown 1087]

So I got asked an interesting question today. What happens if someone OC's with a police tshirt? Whether is be a local pd, or just a big out of state pd shirt. Could a person get into trouble? I wouldnt do this, but after someone asked me what would happen (they dont carry), it had me thinking.

[phrank]

I'm thinkin the powers that be might consider that "impersonating" and ya'd find yourself in a pair of cuffs.

[The Unknown 1087]

I'm thinkin the powers that be might consider that "impersonating" and ya'd find yourself in a pair of cuffs.

Thats what I was thinking.

[GunLawyer001]

The PA statute on impersonating a government officer requires that you attempt to influence someone via that impersonation.

That being said, cops hate wannabe's, and I've seen at least one law-abiding armed security guard get hassled because he looked sorta cop-like. I believe the charge was Disorderly Conduct, which we beat.

When you're not doing anything illegal, the cops charge "disorderly conduct". Hey, it doesn't cost THEM anything, THEY get paid to process you and attend the trial, and even when you're acquitted, the expense and hassle will teach you a lesson. You damned little people who don't know your place.

[IronSight]

If someone can find and post the text of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4912 we may be able to find an answer to that question.

My google fu is weak at the moment.

Edit: GunLawyer001, would you be able to post the text of the statute?

[Binary Encryption]

The following impersonations class as the offense:

* Verbal identification: The impostor announces to the unsuspecting victim that they are a police officer.
* Fake Badge or Warrant card: The impostor, though not in any special clothes, displays a police-like badge or identification card to the victim. Sometimes a real police officer will not even be able to differentiate between the real and fake badge, as some duplicates are very, if not exactly alike.
* Fake uniform: The impostor wears a uniform that looks very much like that of a police officer.
* Fake vehicle: The impostor places lights, decals, or other equipment on a personal vehicle to disguise it as a police car and enable the offender to make arrests or traffic stops.

ref:http://www.wikipedia.org/

I can answer this, a tshirt,hats,jackets are fine no harm no foul. DO NOT flash ID cards,badges,verbally state that you are a LEO,. tshirts, hats, jackets are in no way a uniform. You can buy the same items at a gift shop.
On the same note never assume someone wearing a shirt, hat ,jacket is any type of LEO, Badge or gtfo.
IANAL Just had dealing with a dude I had to lock up a long time ago on this topic.

[GunLawyer001]

If someone can find and post the text of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4912 we may be able to find an answer to that question.

My google fu is weak at the moment.

Edit: GunLawyer001, would you be able to post the text of the statute?

In the spirit of "teaching a man how to fish"....

http://government.westlaw.com/linked...sp?SP=pac-1000

BTW, impersonating has little to do with clothing, everything to do with what you claim to be. You could wear a thong and sandals, but if you tell someone that you're a cop and that they should therefore step aside, you're guilty.

[IronSight]

In the spirit of "teaching a man how to fish"....

http://government.westlaw.com/linked...sp?SP=pac-1000

That is sincerely awesome. I'm almost in shock right now at the wealth of information I have before me.


Edit: the rep Nazi's are still after me it seems

[The Unknown 1087]

Nice link!

I asked my friend what shirt he "would" wear.

He has a black t shirt with yellow letters.

"POLICE narcotics K-9 unit".

interesting.

[tlgpa]

Nice link!

I asked my friend what shirt he "would" wear.

He has a black t shirt with yellow letters.

Not this one?