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Retired sheriff who still wears his Sheriff embroidered knit cap all winter everywhere he goes;
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a former Sheriff who was fired, still has his knit cap and wears it around everywhere he goes;
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someone who was never a sheriff and never in law enforcement in any capacity whatsoever who found a sheriff knit cap and wears it around everywhere he goes
Which of those three scenarios might qualify as “Impersonating a Police Officer?” Any or all of the above?
Just ask if they are law enforcement. If they say no or say nothing, then assume they are just some creepy citizen and stay away. If they say yes but can’t produce a badge, they have instantly committed impersonation.
Law enforcement has to identify itself in an official capacity if you are being detained or questioned. This should be obvious. Policing powers are only given to police officers, so it behooves the police to be very clear that they are the police.