I have a cool idea for a halloween costume, but I am afraid that it might be semi-illegal. I want to dress up as a SWAT team member decked out in all black, with the kevlar helmet, ballistic shield, and gas mask, etc. I will NOT have a weapon (real or fake, as I want to be able to wear this @ my college). Now if my vest says "police" on it is this considered impersonating a police officer?
2007-11-04 21:14:36 · 7 answers · asked by Justin 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Well aren't you thinking ahead! It depends. I knew a guy who was accosted by a police officer (he may even have been arrested, I don't recall) for just wearing a pair of used sheriff's deputy pants. However, this was an extreme incident, and as long as you don't try to make people think you're actually a police officer, you should be fine. Especially on halloween, there would probably be considerably more leeway. I might leave off the gas mask though, it would make it pretty difficult to explain the situation if somebody asked.
2007-11-04 21:25:59 · answer #1 · answered by Geoff B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have anything but Police on your costume: SWAT, SECURITY, TACTICAL SQUAD. Special Officer, etc. etc. are all acceptable but NOT Police, CIA, DEA, FBI ar any formally organized Town/County/State or Federal Police organization. You could still get yourself into trouble if you Identify or try to pass yourself off as a real Police Officer to any one even AT the Halloween Party. I would pick another costume if I were you though, by being in this type of costume you may kill the party and may never be invited to another one.
2007-11-04 23:11:34 · answer #2 · answered by SGT. D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. In many states, you cannot wear police clothing that would in any way percieve the public into believing you are an actual law enforcement peace officer. If you get caught, you could face a felony charge. Be careful.
2007-11-04 21:17:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering this is not Halloween it would be ill advised. But if you must do this, go to the most rough bar in your town. Good luck
2007-11-05 00:29:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Impersonating a police officer is if someone comes up to you and makes you think they are one when they're not. Dressing up will not be impersonation so long as you do not pretend you are one.
2007-11-04 21:17:52 · answer #5 · answered by Siren 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes, it probably would be considered impersonation.
Why not spell it "Polise" instead. The difference wouldn't affect the overall look, but wouldn't get you into trouble.
2007-11-04 21:18:34 · answer #6 · answered by alisongiggles 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TRICK OR TREAT DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME IS HERE.
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES NOT THE JOINT.
YES IT WOULD BE ILLEGAL / YOU ARE NOT POLICE. SAME IF YOU WORE A MILITARY UNIFORM WITH ALL THE DECORATIONS ON IT AND WERE NOT MILITARY?
2007-11-04 22:32:25 · answer #7 · answered by ahsoasho2u2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋