Patch and Insignia Questions

[Vigil]

I was looking to out together a Law enforcement related kit, FBI's HRT or any local SRT. I don't have any gear related questions, just patch questions.

I know wearing a rank or chevrons of some sort is a huge no-no, unless of course you actually earned them, but where do we stand on other types. Mainly the "Police" tags on the vest.

Just checking because I don't want to insult anybody who feels differently.

Thanks.

[Knife]

Same deal in most people's opinions. It again comes down to if you didn't earn it, don't wear it. I'd make an exception to that if it was given to someone with knowledge that it would be worn. I'm referring more to unit patches or custom patches used by real guys.

[Vigil]

I understand that. But is a nameplate on the chest that says Police, or sheriff wrong as well? I'm leaning towards don't wear it, but I don't really know the general opinion. I would never wear a Detroit SRTeam 2 patch.

[Zorak]

I'd lean toward not wearing it just to avoid confusion. I am of course an old fuddy-duddy but I don't think an airsofter should ever have occasion to shoot someone wearing a police nameplate.

[Vigil]

Thanks for the pointer Zorak. When I think about it that way, I don't think I'll be wearing it. As a student in law enforcement, I don't think I'd want someone on the other side pretending to shoot a cop.

Thanks. Guess that answers that.

[M.S.-ARC]

The only other possibility I can see where you can wear it is if there was some kind of "themed" milsim where you were playing some kind of role to add to the realism. I would still not recommend it though.

[Gimpalong]

I think with issues like this that there is the matter of taste to consider.

Wearing rank badges you didn't earn, even in tribute, as flattery or to get the "correct" impression is a bit tasteless. You might mean well, but you have to respect the wishes of those who have actually "been there, done that."

Wearing a police insignia or badge if you're not a police officer and the event isn't specifically structured as a themed game (as Arc points out) is also tasteless.

It's not necessarily tasteless to dress up as a "insert bad guy/good guy here" provided the event calls for that specific impression.

[Zorak]

In case it ever comes up, I'd really recommend against ever using realistic police insignia in an airsoft event. It's not an area where confusion is useful. The rule should always, always be that if you see a guy wearing police gear, you show your hands, make no sudden movements, and obey all instructions with utmost servility.

Airsofters conducting LEsim ops should rely on a strict uniform code (all black, all OD, all blue are all fine examples) and otherwise conduct the op to make sure that should actual police appear for whatever reason, they will not look or sound like opposing players. Players should not identify themselves as police. Yelling "Freeze! Op Agent!" may not be quite as cool as yelling "police" but it's much safer. All it takes is one person who confuses airsoft and reality and tries to engage actual police to turn the entire day into a tragedy.

[M.S.-ARC]

Awesome point Zorak. I could definitely see how that could have the potential for a terrible accident.

[Vigil]

Thanks, I never really put much thought into being mistaken for an on duty officer. I will probably just use color schemes then. Much less confusion and safer for everyone.