Costuming Security Issue

[Sundowner]

I was thinking about dressing as a Gotham Police Officer for Halloween since I have a badge and most of the navy stuff from work. I usually go out to a few public Halloween parties. My question is, is it legal to do so? I know a member here has an awesome GPD get up that looks 100% legit however is it dangerous to do so in public?

I know I'd take quite the ribbing from the guys at the fire house for dressing like a cop for Halloween lol

 

[Sundowner]

Anyone? I've seen a few awesome WD Rick Grimes police uniforms, someone has to have some insight on this!

 

[VinnyboyXI]

It perfectly fine. Especially on Halloween. You have nothing to worry about. The only thing that will get you in trouble is if you actually try to act like a police officer. That will get you into loads of trouble.

As far as dressing up as one for Halloween, don't hold back!

 

[somerset fox]

I wore a WD sheriff last year at D/con and felt somewhat restricted as I was considered too realistic looking and could tell be the looks that people weren't sure if I was or wasn't. I had also brought a GCPD but ended up not wearing it as, again, it felt too 'real world' and to inkeeping with some of the real cops and security guards that would float around the event, especially the last night. If you are in a Batman group, then you should be fine as you are in context. If it's jsut you, then i'd find something less 'real world'.

 

[Sundowner]

I was really worried about that since the place I usually go to has police security and is a bar. If I talk my friends into going as batman characters they will expect me to make their costumes lol. Last year I suggested a BTTF theme, guess what...I had to make a Marty, Doc and a Biff!

Thanks for your replies and insight! Mucho appreciated

 

[Grave]

im pretty sure that if it is close enough to be mistaken for a real cop, its "impersonation"
be careful

 

[joshspiderman23]

Impersonating an officer is only when you act like a Police officer not dress as one, this is completely fine, some by laws forbid you to dress as your own state officer uniform.

so go for a Gotham cop!!!!

if you try to bust some thug youll get :behave

but as long as its just for costume your completely fine

im pretty sure that if it is close enough to be mistaken for a real cop, its "impersonation"
be careful

 

[Sundowner]

Ya I definitely won't be trying to bust anyone lol

 

[joshspiderman23]

Ya I definitely won't be trying to bust anyone lol

lol, look forward to the pics

 

[Looch]

I was thinking about dressing as a Gotham Police Officer for Halloween since I have a badge and most of the navy stuff from work. I usually go out to a few public Halloween parties. My question is, is it legal to do so? I know a member here has an awesome GPD get up that looks 100% legit however is it dangerous to do so in public?

I know I'd take quite the ribbing from the guys at the fire house for dressing like a cop for Halloween lol

Curious, which badge do you have, the metal one or the embroidered one? I have the embroidered patch, be interested in the metal one for myself!

 

[Sundowner]

I have the metal one with the leather backing and metal clip. Definitely worth the money!

ORDER YOUR AUTHENTIC GOTHAM POLICE BADGE REPLICA HERE!

 

[BAK55]

I guess my question would be how different would a GCPD uniform be to your city's police department?

If colors are different, it may not be an issue at all. For insance, an LAPD officer wouldn't be confused for a Chicago PD officer.

 

[Spider M Mann]

Might be best to call up your local PD and ask for their opinion. Can't hurt.

 

[Sundowner]

Pretty much standard navy tops and bottoms. I've been trying to think of a way to make it obvious maybe like carry a GCPD evidence bag with something batman related in it (joker cards, batman mask, etc)

 

[joshspiderman23]

your fine dude just to make it easier here is what an officer looks like in Indiana,

it does look blue kind of but in my opinion its black. now compare that with Gotham cops

the badges and patches are really different which would show that it is indeed a costume.

your golden


pulled from wiki lol

Police impersonation is an act of falsely portraying oneself as a member of the police, for the purpose of deception. In the vast majority of countries the practice is illegal and carries a custodial sentence.

Impersonating a police officer is sometimes committed in order to assert police-like authority in order to commit a crime. Posing as a police officer enables the offender to legitimize the appearance of an illegal act, such as: burglary, making a traffic stop, or detaining.

Dressing up as a police officer in costume, or pretending to be a police officer for the purpose of play or a harmless prank toward an acquaintance is generally not considered a crime, provided that those involved recognize the imposter is not a real police officer, and the imposter is not trying to deceive those involved into thinking he/she is.

Pretty much standard navy tops and bottoms. I've been trying to think of a way to make it obvious maybe like carry a GCPD evidence bag with something batman related in it (joker cards, batman mask, etc)

 

[Sundowner]

Very good! Thanks for the detailed info Josh. After all it IS Halloween!

 

[EyeofSauron]

just ask at the police station. it doesnt cost you any money, and they can give you the information you need.

 

[Mullreel]

Personally I wouldn't do it, and here is why.

I am a cop and I would NEVER go into public in a uniform unarmed and without body armor. If I am in uniform I am armed with armor....period. People react to you so differently when you are a cop. And the chance of being confused with an officer is just too high in my opinion.

just my 2 cents.

 

[Sundowner]

I'm a firefighter and would never go into public in my bunker gear for Halloween. I gotta believe though it being Halloween people should be aware of costumes. If someone dresses up like a doctor or construction worker im going to make a safe bet that they're not. I think I'm going to make it obvious that I'm not a real officer, I'm sure folks aren't going assume a police officer is drinking an adult beverage and dancing lol

Anyone with experience on this topic have issues at cons or anything?

Thanks everyone for your replies and help!

 

[NormanF]

How about wearing as little as possible until you get to the party/event? Wear just an undershirt on the way there and keep the shirt in the trunk.

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