concealed carry badge for the BOP

[chevy14bolt]

If we can legally carry without a badge why do we need one? What purpose would having a badge serve? You start flashing it around you just make a bad name for all of us. When we need a badge they give us one. We need to stop pretending we are something that we are not.

[Hack]

Originally Posted by AB3302

But I don't see why we need badges while off duty. If somebody is willing to explain it, I'd be willing to listen to that opinion.

According to LEOSA, it's not required. Although it's not required, there are law enforcement officers at the state to local levels who would for whatever their perspective, prefer to see us have that, as well as handcuffs off duty, however they are used to being Law Enforcement able to act as Law Enforcement while off duty.

You go to New York State, (as I have), up there many people expect you to abide by the State law regarding badges and firearms, where you are supposed to wear the badge on your person, (I think on the belt that the firearm is carried on, but not sure on that). As you can imagine I carried a firearm very discreetly while there. Only my in-laws knew of it while we were there.

[Fed C.O. 33]

The section in title 18 does not cover on or off duty it only specifies on or off reservation thats a real gray area. Yeah I know the BOP policy concerning you off duty but thats not law thats agency policy Im not trying to argue off duty authority Im simply stating that we should be issued badges every other agency with the Dept of Justice issues badges their mission is no greater than ours so why the double standard.

[Hack]

Originally Posted by chevy14bolt

If we can legally carry without a badge why do we need one? What purpose would having a badge serve? You start flashing it around you just make a bad name for all of us. When we need a badge they give us one. We need to stop pretending we are something that we are not.

First, if you work for the BOP you are law enforcement.

Second, even if you were authorized a badge, for off duty, if you're smart, concealed is concealed. You don't advertise it, (regardless of the nuts in any law enforcement agency who may).

Third, should the need comes and you need to respond to a personal life or death emergency, (such as defending yourself), it would possibly come in handy for ready identification to responding police officers, so you yourself don't get shot. Even at that, they should check your credentials.

However, if you have your credentials handy, perhaps in a cred case with a BOP Seal pattern readily visible it would serve a similar purpose.

[Hack]

Originally Posted by S.pate

The section in title 18 does not cover on or off duty it only specifies on or off reservation thats a real gray area. Yeah I know the BOP policy concerning you off duty but thats not law thats agency policy Im not trying to argue off duty authority Im simply stating that we should be issued badges every other agency with the Dept of Justice issues badges their mission is no greater than ours so why the double standard.

That would be a good question to ask of those who are tasked with forming policy. The policies, (Program Statments), from my recollection are also in the US CFR, which has the force of law. Which by the way we enforce as law enforcement. Title 18 USC Sect. 3050 covers the bare basics, as does some other parts of USC, Program Statements, which are basically in US CFR cover the rest.

[chevy14bolt]

If its concealed its concealed what is the purpose of the badge? If the real reason you want a badge is to feel special thats fine just say it. If its going to get you into a club or an attempt to get out of a ticket be honest thats why you want a badge. If you can show it to someone who doesnt know your a turnkey and it gets you laid good for you. From the arguments about this subject I have had with people at work this is what it comes down 2. Some say its for pride. If thats what you want it for say that. Do no try and make the argument for legal purposes.

Life or death situation?? Hold on dont kill me let me get my badge out so the police know im the good guy. That being said, anyone can get something that looks like a badge. Lets say you do pull out the badge in the heat of the moment is the officer going to recognize a real badge and a fake one some scumbag bought online??

We are baby sitters who get paid well.

[tcurtis76]

[quote=S.pate;24003A Badge is a symbol of pride for a Peace Officer as well as a symbol of authority.[/QUOTE]
alot of state COs are issued badges and they cherish them its not about wanting it just to look good

[AB3302]

I just don't really see the "need" for badges. I'm sure, at certain times under certain situations, they would be helpful at best. But those instances are few and far between; maybe one-tenth of one percent of any incidents. God forbid I am ever involved in a justified shooting, the LEAST of my worries are if I have a badge. Sure, it's more convenient in certain states, but if you're carrying correctly, nobody will know that you have a weapon on you. LEOSA covers our right to carry off duty. Wearing a badge on my belt makes me a target. Discreet is better.

If COs want to try to run around and make arrests and hide behind some badge, that's on them. Nobody, including LEOSA, will back up those actions. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to kill somebody, kill them. Save your own life and the lives of your family memebers. It's going to take at least a year-and-a-half to "clear" the shooting anyway, badge or no badge.

I have several friends from numerous state, local, and federal agencies. They carry off dudy, just as we are permitted by law to do. They don't sport badges everywhere they go. For 16 hours a day, they like the idea that they can be "off-duty."

We do not carry on duty on a daily basis. We do not have the strict training that the majority of other agencies have. We don't get badges. If you really, honestly, truthfully NEED a badge, turn in your flashlight and get on USAJOBS.gov and find an agency that hands out badges. I'm content with what I'm given.

[chevy14bolt]

As i hold a loft my trusty flashlight and state "By the power invested in me I have no real authority"

[tcurtis76]

Originally Posted by chevy14bolt

If its concealed its concealed what is the purpose of the badge? If the real reason you want a badge is to feel special thats fine just say it. If its going to get you into a club or an attempt to get out of a ticket be honest thats why you want a badge. If you can show it to someone who doesnt know your a turnkey and it gets you laid good for you. From the arguments about this subject I have had with people at work this is what it comes down 2. Some say its for pride. If thats what you want it for say that. Do no try and make the argument for legal purposes.

Life or death situation?? Hold on dont kill me let me get my badge out so the police know im the good guy. That being said, anyone can get something that looks like a badge. Lets say you do pull out the badge in the heat of the moment is the officer going to recognize a real badge and a fake one some scumbag bought online??

We are baby sitters who get paid well.

good point the only reason i asked the ? was that i was asked myself i do carry off duty and it makes no different whether i have a badge or not i prefer not to let people know i am carrying but i also see S.Pates point as well sometimes the badge means more than just authority to an individual so my ? was answered thanks