Uniforms legal in public?

[deputy_hunter]

i have gotten a few answers from different places, but i thought it would be best to go right to the source.

i will be attending the Folsom Street Fair <http://www.folsomstreetfair.com>, and i would like to wear a deputy's uniform to the event. i will *not* have a baton or even the empty holster, but is the uniform and utility belt ok to wear in public?

No, i do *not* plan on acting or even pretending to be a policeman, it's really just a costume to promote a video that i played a part in recently.

Another question that no one seems to have a definite answer for... is it OK to have handcuffs stashed in the utility belt?

Thank you very much in advance for your help!

= Hunter

[realpolice]

Hi. Well, all I can say is be careful and wear a coat over it until you get to the party. I did do a couple of searches for you, and this is what I found (not sure of the state...probably the same for most).

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Section 8.48.010 Assumption of role or power of police officer unlawful--Prima facie evidence.

It shall be unlawful for any person falsely to assume to be a police officer or, without authority or right, to assume to exercise police powers. Any person, not an officer, wearing a uniform, badge or insignia similar to that worn by the city, county or state police, shall be prima facie guilty of a violation of this chapter. (Ord. 28 § 1, 1953)

Section 8.48.020 Penalty for violation.

Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 1492 § 11, 1994: Ord. 123, 1955; Ord. 28 § 2)

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From another site...

Section 9.12.090 Impersonating an officer.

Any person who shall falsely personate a public or peace officer, civil or military, or a private individual having special authority by law to perform an act affecting the right or interest of another, or who, without authority, shall assume any uniform or badge of which such an officer or person is lawfully distinguished by, and in such assumed character shall do any act purporting to be official, whereby another is injured or defrauded, shall be guilty of impersonating an officer.

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These were the links:

http://www.tumwater.wa.us/municipalc..._9/12/090.html

http://www.ci.henderson.nv.us/municode/title_8/48/



It appears to me that you could be arrested for it at least; how far it went in court, I don't know. Hope this answered your question.

:cool:

[realpolice]

Just realized you were referring to a fair...I definitely wouldn't do it, or at least make it obvious it isn't a real uniform.

[deputy_hunter]

Thank you for (all of) the information!

However if it isn't an in-state badge, do you suppose it is OK then?

Also, did you see anything about handcuffs?

I'm not worried about the parties/clubs, but I'm wondering about the Fair...

Thanks again - -

::gLENN

[TTS]

I would advise against it if it says police or sheriff anywhere on it. I remember not to long ago a female was arrested for wearing the "POLICE" t shirt in public. I can't remember the state.

[deputy_hunter]

Thank you for the continuing information.

I will have a chance to ask some of the uniform wearers (the night before) here too: http://www.bbcorps.org

I will let you know what happens!

Thanks again - -

::gLENN

[realpolice]

I didn't see anything about handcuffs; however, if you're not wearing the uniform, you can of course wear the handcuffs. I might just go out and buy some Security patches and put them on the arms...this would take care of everything from what I can tell. :cool:

[Hothandz]

Well, after seeing that piucture he posted along with his message, I give him FULL authority to walk in that uniform! Too bad he didnt give us a rear view....hehehehe (bad Hothandz)

LOL also, too bad i dont HAVE any authority!!!! (oh well, i tried)

[Byu]

Is the uniform that you are wearing in the pic the one you intend to wear to the fair? That uniform looks pretty legit to me. If you went dressed just like that, then yes I think that you would be in violation.

[Unregistered]

The first reply should have addressed this, but think about it... There are people out there that are cop haters... As a Police Officer, the last thing we do is run around town, fairs, or shopping centers, looking like a cop. Should you run into some nut case are you ready to deal with it and how about your family or friends with you? Do you want to expose yourself and your friends and family to this nut case. I say dress as something else and maybe save a life.

[lprocter]

It is illegal to impersonate a police officer. Even if you're wearing the uniform off duty. The only people allowed to wear a police uniform (as well as security and military uniforms) are those people who are legitimately employed by the government or company, and are on duty. Other than that, you will be arrested if you impersonate a police officer.

My suggestion is to not even think about wearing the uniform.


On the topic of handcuffs, there's nothing wrong with them. There is no law saying you can't have handcuffs. Hell, you can buy them in almost any dollar or toy store. However, if you actually use them, and you're not an on-duty officer, you will arrested for assault, and perhaps for impersonation of a police officer. Personally, I'd leave them at home.

[Byu]

I use them all of the time....and Im not an officer...hehehehe!
And I NEVER leave home without them....lol!

:D

[lprocter]

Hey, BYU, want to come over some time? We can put good use to those handcuffs.................... ;)

[Byu]

Now, whatever would I do with a 19 yr old!!!!!....lol

Besides....wouldn't that be like carnal knowledge of a juvinile or something... :D

:p
;)

[lprocter]

Come on! I thought you were CJ! You should know that age of consent is 16!!! I'm 19!!!! I'm not juvenile. I'm not!I'm not!I'm not!
I'm going to tell my mommy you said that.


Anyway, I gotta go play with my toys.