Back in the 1990’s, I used to see these things at gun shows from time to time, but I didn’t think anyone actually bought them. I certainly don’t expect to see anyone with a lick of common sense wearing one. Yet, I saw three of these things this weekend.
I can’t emphasize enough what a bad idea they are.
These badges are absolutely unnecessary. I know of no state that mandates a goofy medallion of any sort. Most require permits to carry a concealed weapon, but the permit does not take the form of a badge. Nor is it something you’re supposed to be displaying to passers-by.
I mean, you can walk around and flash your license, but what’s the point?
A badge tends to imply authority, and last time I checked, a carry permit doesn’t grant me any authority whatsoever. It is simply a license to carry a weapon for self-protection. It does not grant powers of arrest, nor do I want the responsibility that would go with such a thing.
(And before you ask, “what about citizen’s arrest?” I suggest you read chapter 3 of this book. In fact, read the whole thing if you think that wearing one of these badges is in any way a smart idea.)
Depending on your locale and the attitude of any police officer seeing it, you could be charged with impersonation. At any rate, the badge will create confusion, particularly if presented or glimpsed during a crisis situation.
Some folks will claim that the badge advertises the wearer as a “good guy” and therefore someone to be trusted. That is, until a criminal gets the idea of wearing one. There are no background checks required for one of these badges; you just have to pony up a few bucks. I’ve seen fake police shields, and heck, it’s easier to buy one of these than forging police paraphernalia.
Frankly, it’s not a good idea in many situations to advertise that you’re armed. You’re giving up any element of surprise that may work to your advantage in a confrontation, and you may be giving up the option of simply walking away from a fight that doesn’t involve you. Could you really turn away from someone who asks for help because they think you’re a police officer? What if you do step in under the pretension (implied by action or assumed by an observer) that you are?
Two of the people I saw wearing the badges had them hanging from their necks in those faux leather badge holders. This is a horrendous practice. Anything hanging from your extremities, and particularly your neck, could be easily grabbed and used to harm or control you. While we’re at it, other bad fashion choices for the self-defense minded include:
- Hooded shirts of any sort. That hood makes a good handle with which to grab you from behind.
- Large, protruding piercings like hoop earrings or that “tribal” stuff involving chains. Same problem with grabbing, but more painful.
- Low-slung pants. These can interfere with your ability to run.
- Flip flops, clogs or any other shoe that does not attach to the foot. Again, they present a problem with running, and could affect the ability to pivot and balance.
- Giant sunglasses. Ladies, you’re not Paris Hilton, and guys, those Aviators just make you look like the Sheriff at the end of Deliverance. They can screw with peripheral vision: take them off unless you’re in bright sunlight.
- Headphones, cellular phones or anything else that blocks out auditory signals.
Put the money you’d spend on a tin star into a decent belt and holster instead. Even better, spend it on a self-defense class. Save the silly badges for Halloween.