Is it illegal to wear a shirt that says "Police"

[Cloak]

I was thinking about buying this shirt because i thought it would be pretty funny because there's no way in hell that someone who looked at me for more then 2 seconds would actually think I'm the police. but I'm asking because i want to know the possible negative outcome's that could come from wearing this shirt


"Police Official Issue Double Sided Raid T-Shirt" is the shirt im thinking about buying

[greg72982]

I was thinking about buying this shirt because i thought it would be pretty funny because there's no way in hell that someone who looked at me for more then 2 seconds would actually think I'm the police. but I'm asking because i want to know the possible negative outcome's that could come from wearing this shirt


"Police Official Issue Double Sided Raid T-Shirt" is the shirt im thinking about buying

Listing your state would probably help, but then again maybe not


It's not illegal in PA in itself unless you start trying to take some type of action. If you are walking around with it and minding your business you would probably be OK.

[CPL1897]

Laws regarding wearing "novelty" POLICE shirts and Hats vary from state to state..In Florida they sell them at every truck stop etc. Ive been in..I actually wear a POLICE beaney cap on duty in the winter that I got at a truck stop (Its better quality than the issued ones).. With that said, while it may be legal to wear, I would use extreme caution..Many "bad guys" actually "target" cops when they are off duty or at the mall etc. because they know most cops dont carry a radio etc. when off duty and "back-up" etc. will take longer to respond etc..So you may put yourself in danger by just wearing the "novelty" shirt..ALSO theres a good chance a crime may occurr your not aware if and a victim may see POLICE on your shirt and run to you for assistance etc..(BAD GUYS WILL SEE IT JUST AS FAST)....I dont personally have a problem if I see someone wearing a "novelty" shirt or hat..But I know a few co-workers that will look for a reason to give someone a hard time thats wearing one..I would just be very cautious and ask yourself "Is it worth it"...and FYI if while wearing anything that says "police" and you do anything that a "average" person would believe to be an act of auathority (tell someone to "stop driving like that" for example..Here as in most states it will meet the criteria for "Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer" and its a FELONY..so good luck and use good judgement..

[greg72982]

I actually wear a POLICE beaney cap on duty in the winter that I got at a truck stop (Its better quality than the issued ones)..

Lies, everyone knows Florida doesn't have winter. :D

[Cloak]

Listing your state would probably help, but then again maybe not


It's not illegal in PA in itself unless you start trying to take some type of action. If you are walking around with it and minding your business you would probably be OK.

I live in Jacksonville Florida...and actually Florida can get pretty cold in the winter...the 20 degree zone at night and when the winds blowing its even worse

[DeltaV]

843.085 Unlawful use of police badges or other indicia of authority.
—It is unlawful for any person:
(1) Unless appointed by the Governor pursuant to chapter 354, authorized by the appropriate agency, or displayed in a closed or mounted case as a collection or exhibit, to wear or display any authorized indicia of authority, including any badge, insignia, emblem, identification card, or uniform, or any colorable imitation thereof, of any federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, or other criminal justice agency as now or hereafter defined in s. 943.045, which could deceive a reasonable person into believing that such item is authorized by any of the agencies described above for use by the person displaying or wearing it, or which displays in any manner or combination the word or words “police,” “patrolman,” “agent,” “sheriff,” “deputy,” “trooper,” “highway patrol,” “Wildlife Officer,” “Marine Patrol Officer,” “state attorney,” “public defender,” “marshal,” “constable,” or “bailiff,” which could deceive a reasonable person into believing that such item is authorized by any of the agencies described above for use by the person displaying or wearing it.

There is some case law that says a plain black shirt that says "SHERIFF" doesn't violate this law if worn by itself, so I would imagine that a shirt that says "POLICE" wouldn't violate it as well. Now if you wear it with BDU pants, duty gear, etc., A good argument could be made that you're attempting to wear a modified police uniform and it could be a violation of the law. It's all a matter of whether or not a reasonable person would believe you're trying to look like the police.

Others have already pointed out problems with wearing something like this. Let's say you just happen to walk into a gas station the moment a robbery is taking place. The bad guy is going to take one look at you, see the "POLICE" shirt, and react accordingly. That will probably result in you getting yourself shot.

[mcsap]

I was thinking about buying this shirt because i thought it would be pretty funny because there's no way in hell that someone who looked at me for more then 2 seconds would actually think I'm the police. but I'm asking because i want to know the possible negative outcome's that could come from wearing this shirt

It may not be illegal but it would still qualify as DUMB.


"Police Official Issue Double Sided Raid T-Shirt" is the shirt im thinking about buying

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[TEXASCOP]

I'm just going to say it is illegal. It may not say it on the books but I always look for a reason to arrest knuckle heads who wear Police shirts or are in possession of police paraphernalia (red and blue Lights, fake badges)

[Cloak]

I'm just going to say it is illegal. It may not say it on the books but I always look for a reason to arrest knuckle heads who wear Police shirts or are in possession of police paraphernalia (red and blue Lights, fake badges)

I don't like your kind...

[ET109]

I don't like your kind...

It's possible you're telling the truth, as a joke, and are just doing something dumb. I think it's much more likely you want to look like and pretend to be a cop and are just using the 'joke' thing as an excuse to see what sort of effect it will have when a real 'police' sees you in your shirt. Just like when guys come on here and ask if it's okay to put strobes in their car just in case they need to signal the police...

If its the former, and you obviously are not trying to look like an officer, I doubt much will happen. If an officer thinks you're trying to impersonate a cop or trying to look like one to score some numbers walking around the mall, expect to be looked at carefully. Maybe the shirt is illegal, maybe not, depending on your actions- but be prepared in case someone doesn't "like your kind" and decides to cite you for jaywalking, littering, etc. If you don't like it, be reasonable and don't purposely bring attention to yourself.

[TEXASCOP]

Maybe the shirt is illegal, maybe not, depending on your actions- but be prepared in case someone doesn't "like your kind" and decides to cite you for jaywalking, littering, etc. If you don't like it, be reasonable and don't purposely bring attention to yourself.

In my state the only 2 offenses you can't be arrested for are speeding and open container. If you chose not to sign the ticket for speeding and open container then you can get sacked up.

[marinepilot]

Just for everyones info, I googled the shirt he's talking about and this is what came up...

[ET109]

Yeah that's pretty non-legit looking. I probably wouldn't think someone was trying to be a whacker with that on.

[CPL1897]

And all this time I thought my PD shirt came from QM or Galls and made in the USA... Now I see it's a $2 shirt made in a "sweatshop"....

And YES it is cold in FLORIDA in winter.. Its all about perception though... I know if I think I'm freezing on the sandy beaches at night here.. I probably wouldn't last an hour up north!!!

I AM COLD and that's ALL I KNOW....LOL

[kendral77]

I live in Jacksonville Florida...and actually Florida can get pretty cold in the winter...the 20 degree zone at night and when the winds blowing its even worse

And YES it is cold in FLORIDA in winter.. Its all about perception though... I know if I think I'm freezing on the sandy beaches at night here.. I probably wouldn't last an hour up north!!!

I AM COLD and that's ALL I KNOW....LOL

20 degrees is shorts and tee shirt weather!
Which reminds me, I have to go to long sleeve uniforms this week.


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