The #1 Reason Why A CCW Badge ISN'T Just For Tacti-Cool Dorks

[@Warrior]

Hoooboy... I can't WAIT to see the comments on this one! :-) But before you do, watch the video and come back with the same regurgitated gun store "badges are for wannabes" slop. I love a good debate and there are solid arguments FOR and AGAINST carrying a concealed carry badge. Bring it warriors!

[@TackticalChaos]

I am an ex Leo in SC. I have and carry my weapon at all times and I also carry a CWP badge on my person. Now I am black also mind you. Still proficient in all my weapons and tactics yet I know the streets and I understand the mentality of officers responding to a shooting. With that being said I would rather have my CWP badge showing when they pull up. Because that will slow an officer down and de escalate his encounter with me personally to the point we can communicate efficiently without conflict. I can answer any questions while showing my hands and let him and other's around me see that I am not the threat. Because at the end of the day everyone should go home to their families with the exception of the true threat.

[@Warrior]

Thanks for sharing TackticalChaos. It's good to get first-hand feedback and advice! Much appreciated! :-)

[@brianthomas9220]

Well-said

[@stevew698]

⁹Ɓtyĝćþþþř Ĺ

[@smithjones3548]

Not for or against, but if someone chooses to own a CC badge it would be best to keep it like your weapon--concealed until needed.

[@Zion1rael]

Yes absolutely

[@seanyoung2306]

Bingo! Exactly what I was thinking.

[@charleshanna2089]

If a CCW individual choses to carry one for the reasons that you gave It would best be carried out of sight reserved for such an active shooter or similar incident as you described And no one should be aware that they have it Letting it be known that you are carrying one of these badges would be a invitation for some antigunner to make a false police report on you for impersonating a police officer It could be a two edged sword

[@Warrior]

100% agree Charles. These things should NOT (EVER!) be carried where they can be seen on a regular basis - even accidentally. Thanks for making this clear.

[@seanyoung2306]

True

[@captainkip4624]

I have had one for several years. Its like I tell everyone, your not a cop (and frankly there isn't enough money to get me to do that job) if you see an armed robbery in progress you dial 911. However, if you're unlucky enough to be in an active shooter situation and you find yourself with no other choice orher than to pull your weapon and shoot. In that case, I wouldn't want to be shot because someone though I was the actove shooter. I wear it under my shirt on a chain. I pray every day that I will never need to pull my weapon and if I never pull the weapon I will never pull out ths badge. So no one knows I even have it.

[@kevinbarry3066]

I carry mine on a chain under my shirt. The only reason it would be out is I have exercised my second amendment right, and when the local constabulary shows up I don't want to be like the guy that shot the guy who just killed a LEO, or the guy in Denver who just shot a nude man strangling his son and didn't have time to put in his hearing aids and when local PD showed up and he seen there flash light to his left he turned towards them and was promptly shot and killed( add Amy Winehouse music with the new lyrics "I don't want to go to the morgue no no no)

[@BigJDinSC]

I own a CCW badge that I keep on a lanyard in my EDC bag (a.k.a man-purse)...and it has yet to see the light of day (I've had it for years). The ONLY reason I have it is in the unlikely scenario that I'm involved in a sketchy self-defense or active shooter incident (and I have time to put it on), it may give another good-guy-with-a-gun pause before trying to send me to Jesus. Who knows? It might have saved Johnny Hurley's life if he was wearing one.

[@seanyoung2306]

I had a ccw in Arizona... truth be told, I never had to carry. Different times nowadays.... so better to have and not need... ❤

[@SenorJuan2023]

"Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!" ..................injecting some humor into the debate. I can see the logic on both sides.

[@K4OSR]

We just had a good Samaritan shot and killed by responding officers after stopping an active shooter in Arvada, Colorado. I a piece of jewelry could've saved him, I'm all for it R.I.P. Johnny Hurley.

[@Warrior]

I'll be going over the Arvada, CO shooting next week Alex. Tragic story. RIP JH. A true hero.

[@ignacio9399]

Police officers not panicking could have saved him too.

[@PalmettoNDN]

No it wouldn't have.

[@PalmettoNDN]

@@ignacio9399 this is the correct answer.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Speaking professionally, I would suggest that if someone was to carry a CCW/2nd Amd "badge" that 1) it does NOT resemble the shield of the law enforcement agency (s) in whose jurisdictions you are likely to be in. There are several "stock" (pre made) CCW/2nd A badges for under $30. If those are like what the local leo's wear, pay for a custom one $50 and higher that doesn't remotely resemble theirs. 2) that it not be deployed/displayed until AFTER having fired, and prior to leo's arrival on scene. When calling 911 it would be a good idea to give them your description and that you have a ccw badge on display around the neck. The point being is to be seen by the leo's as the "good guy". If possible, have your sidearm holstered, or not in your hand when they arrive. And when they do, expect the leo's to draw down on you and to comply with all of their commands. I also suggest that people join the USCCA which is like the AAA (emergency road service) of people who have CCW permits, and provide assistance to it's members when they've had to discharge their sidearm. It's best to cooperate, but without saying too much until you have had a chance to speak with an attorney. You don't have to be arrested in order to invoke your right to counsel.

[@Warrior]

Good input Barone! Thanks for sharing such a detailed response! Much appreciated!

[@davidtelliho5043]

my first impression, a ccw badge is just another cowboy stunt. Then there is the possibility of not being recognized as a 'good' guy, and becoming a victim. Having one may not be so bad an idea, afterall. If I did, I`d keep that puppy concealed until needed. Hopefully, never.

[@seanyoung2306]

Agreed... hopefully never❤

[@davedeiler2072]

Your arguments for and against having a CCW badge are compelling. What I do know is this. The only way to make sure you never need something, ub thus case a gun or a badge, is to always have it with you.

[@william.maclennan9061]

Dear Warrior, You made some really good points on both sides. Honestly as you stated I believe it is a individual case by case example.

[@rlcarbo]

A few years back, I saw a website that sold clothing that can deploy a label indicating you are a legally armed civilian … or something like that. If I recall the details correctly, there was a shirt that had chest pocket in which the wearer could pulled down and would then display something like CCL or CCW. There was also a baseball style cap that did the same or similar. If I recall, this company was out of Israel. Which makes sense because, I believe there are many Jewish Israelis private citizens that are armed because of terrorist threats. This may be a solution they came up with to distinguish a defensive shooter from a terrorist. I don’t know how that works if a terrorist wore one of these articles of clothing. I suppose their actions would help delineate that distinction. I guess the shirt or cap thing is better than nothing. I think it’s better than a badge. There so much potential for misuse of a badge; but, I can’t think of a misuse of clothing labels.

[@gregorypitts8093]

I’m an instructor, I don’t think I could recommend having a badge. I would agree it could save your life in the right circumstances, but; there is the rub. For it to do it’s job it must be displayed correctly and at the correct time in a chaotic sequence of events. For that to happen you must practice those events and have the thinking down cold. Frankly I can’t even get people I train to practice the events that should occur in any gunfight, in which this would be one more step. Also there’s the temptation to use it as a symbol you’re a LEO, even if unintentional. Most DAs will jump all over that I think and spin you into saying you were impersonating a LEO even if you weren’t. For me, and what I teach is to wear a distinctive bit of clothing, particularly on your shooting hand side. I like a red parachord bracelet. I teach to give that info to 911. Will it get communicated? Will the responding officer remember or notice in the chaos? Who knows but it is as good a bet as the badge in my opinion and in bluer judicial systems might keep you outta jail.

[@dwebb1518]

If even a tiny bit of your good guy ego thinks "wouldn't that be cool" ... STOP - STEP AWAY FROM THE BADGE! 1. Know the law in your local jurisdictions and state, so you know in advance exactly how much hassle/jail time you're willing to accept should you (intentionally or otherwise) allow the wrong person to see it in your possession. 2. After you spend $75-$80 on a LEO style badge, have another $20-$40 to invest in a quality neck chain/badge holder combo with a flap that covers the badge unless you intentionally uncover that badge. 3. Don't forget that displaying your badge increases your response time and complicates handling of firearms/other accessories. 4. Remember that even having such a badge is no guarantee that it won't be overlooked if you have a gun in your hand anywhere around an incident. To arriving officers, YOU are an armed threat. 5. Don't underestimate mob hostility should you think it a good idea to use it to "get the crowd off you". There's a reason individual officers seldom take on groups of hostiles. 6. Don't underestimate the huge legal downside for a Prosecuting Attorney to make you their own personal project if you're engaged in an incident of violence with such a badge in your possession. 7. Don't underestimate the huge potential financial costs of you trying to assert your legal rights (arbitrary at best) to have had such a badge in your possession while being engaged in an incident of violence. On my personal cost/benefit scale, not enough benefits to spend the money, endure the carry hassles, and run the extra risks. With all due respect to Johnny Hurley (my prayers for him, his friends, and all who knew him to be a remarkable and courageous man), he made mistakes that such a badge likely wouldn't have solved. The best part of this discussion is stimulating a thorough and honest review of your personal tactics, training, capabilities, and limitations before you make any decision to engage in potential use of force situations. You have to decide for you - everything else is just a difference of opinion. Remember, our current legal system is neither your friend nor your protector.

[@arthurleslie9669]

As one who has carried both a City Police Badge and a Deputy Sheriff's badge, I definitely have my own personal opinion. However, I'm sure you could probably find LEO's that disagree with it. And rightly so since it's just opinions. Bottom line ... It's a free country and unless there's a law against it, one is free to make their own decision whether to carry one or not. As I've always told my son. We live or die by the decisions we make. Good or Bad. Just an old farts two cents. :)

[@Archimedes616]

I carry concealed and wouldn't have a badge even if it was given to me. However, one video I watched presented an interesting instance in which a badge turned out to be a real asset. Because of some disability that hindered his access to a concealed weapon, a disabled man opted for open carry but had the police called on him multiple times. Someone in the police department suggested that he get a badge and wear it on his belt right next to his gun--and when he took that advice, there were no more calls to the police about him. BTW, I love the thumbnail for this video.

[@Warrior]

Thanks @Archimedes616! Yeah, I certainly see the pros and cons of this practice and it's not for everyone. Seems like it was for that disabled man but I guess it could go either way, eh? One other reason I have it on "stand-by" is for the potential of facing protests as a visual "escape" mechanism. Of course it depends on which crowd you may come into contact with, but - without claiming to be LEO - it could be a visual "free pass" through a heated area or checkpoint. Hope I never have to use it (and if I've taken all precautions, never will), but you never know, eh? Thanks for sharing!

[@adrielburned6924]

I open carry. I can't wear any jackets or coats from an infection and high fever that damaged my hypothalamus. I over heat even in winter without a coat. The only time I am not bothered or have the police called is when I have my badge on by my gun. It isn't a ccw badge. It says "defending the weak and the helpless" and a black center with blue line. Many officers have complimented it. I've never had any issues from officers about it either. But I only wear it in new areas. My whole town calls me the 'gun guy' Lol

[@graymann]

Dude you are like the tactical Yoda. Love your stuff

[@brianthomas9220]

This is an EXCELLENT idea, but ONLY for those who are MATURE enough to carry it wisely. Anyone else should NOT even THINK about owning a handgun, let alone carry a concealed weapon. How can I get one?

[@Cornerstone1776]

Good video!

[@KT_survival]

Like you described, there is a time and a place for this badge. If someone is wearing it just to look cool or just to look like a cop with no good reason - this is simply stupid. In the moment you described - it may be beneficial. But there is also a danger of wearing this badge - what if a drug dealer or other criminal takes you as a law enforcement? What if a thief freaks out and does something stupid? There is no simple answer if this badge is good or bad.

[@fredbrown9917]

Also could mark you as a target. Bad guy wants a gun, sees your badge, nails you and takes your weapon!

[@GrOuNdZeRo7777]

Here in Oklahoma most people don't bat an eye at an openly carried firearm and if worn with a badge may put some people not used to open carrying at ease. But of course this can backfire and someone may interpret this as you trying to impersonate an officer. After a shooting, I'd say when the police arrive at the scene you are on the ground, weapon out of reach and you having your hands on your head. You will likely still end up in cuffs till the smoke clears. So I wouldn't recommend it to be displayed at all but I guess in certain situations maybe it could help? I'd still at least be on my knees or my stomach with hands on your head or in the air to indicate you're not a threat and better yet have your weapon far away from you...

[@Warrior]

Thanks for sharing GrOuNdZeRo7777. You're absolutely right about the actions after a shooting and I cover this more in-depth in my analysis of how the concealed carry "good guy" was unfortunately killed in the Arvada shooting here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2Hce2alZcetoMk. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Much appreciated!

[@talonosterhout-delay3753]

I actually used to work for a security company that required you to carry a badge even on plain clothes jobs. I got a lot of people asking if I was a cop. For those who do carry one, I could see it being a good way to open the conversation into guns and how they aren't all just full semi-auto magic murder wands. I don't carry a badge of any kind unless work related, but just an idea.

[@Warrior]

You bring up a good point about the badge being noticed and I'm definitely NOT recommending that people carry a badge openly or ANYWHERE that it could be seen (like inside a wallet commonly used). I'm only referring to having it "available" in extreme circumstances. Security work is different of course.

[@jimbefit3073]

Maybe when confronted and having dropped your weapon you have the chain around your neck with a empty badge holder, you can hang by your thumb shouting "im a good guy! " Yes, only trying Not to get shot yourself is a challenge.

[@kenkingman4117]

It you choose to carry one; keep that puppy buried so deep in your pocket that the dust bunnies can't find it!

[@Warrior]

Yeah, for sure Ken! Mine is completely tucked away but also easily accessible if needed. Thanks for your input!

[@generalcarver]

Good video. this use of CCW badge for the scenerio described has crossed my mind a long time ago also. but people be warned, if you choose to actually employ this and do.. after the fact be prepared for people making accusations against you for "impersonating law enforcement". in most areas of the country, just having the badge on your person showing isn't illegal. your actions and what you SAY will determine if you crossed the line from a legal point of view. But just be prepared for the social stigma and don't react to it. I would say, having a strong mindset of not arguing or justifying your use of it to people is important. you don't need to worry about convincing anyone execept the police officers interviewing you or jury in court. just my two cents.

[@stevedodge1570]

I personally would not want one nor would I wear one. I don't see the benefit of it even after a shooting as the responding officers will only see you with a gun so it's better after ensuring the scene is safe/secured is to lay your gun down on the ground step a couple of feet away from it and wait for further instructions.

[@Warrior]

Interesting perspective about what responding officers (or anyone else) will actually see when arriving. Maybe there will be too much chaos. Maybe not. It's the "maybes" that always make these topics interesting, eh? My thinking is that - at least on the police side - officers who are trained to bbe more observant and conscious of other "good guys with guns" would be more likely to spot it. Other concealed carry peeps maybe not so much. Valid point. I definitely agree with putting the gun on the ground, but only after getting instructions from police (or actually ANY "good guy" with a gun. I actually have a video next week to dig into this further. However, I don't think most gun owners will do it before police arrive. Many would arguably even keep their gun out for some time.

[@walther9161]

A local radio show owned and produced by LEO’s covered this topic and suggested not carrying one of these because there is no official badged sanctioned for CHL holders. If you’re involved in the extremely rare shooting, you simply holster and raise your hands for the cops to ID you first. Pretty simple.

[@billrediger7041]

I'd like to get one

[@Warrior]

Just be sure to keep it hidden in something like an everyday carry bag so it's not visible. This is definitely a "covert tool" only to be used for specific scenarios Bill. Thanks for commenting!

[@seanyoung2306]

After that video... I'm further not sure if it was an ego thing or not. I definitely didn't get a ccw for an ego... otherwise, multiple people wouldn't be here today. On the other hand, law enforcement has an identical problem... at least that is what I see in videos on this platform... that officers tend to have the very ego that will get people killed. So, no, getting a badge is not an ego thing for me. As for my personal business... I'm not flashing anyone, badge or otherwise.😅

[@dukeschechter34]

Before deciding whether or not to buy a 'badge', it would be wise to check the law in your area - in some jurisdictions, possession of anything that resembles a police shield WILL result in mandatory 'impersonating an officer' charges, beyond any others an anti-rights DA chooses to slap on you. Even if a self-defense shooting is justified, the prosecutor will use the 'cop wannabe' argument to sway a jury. That said, just as with so many other firearm-related choices, it's a personal decision.

[@jbkerns]

Nope nope nope

[@jimbefit3073]

A covered badge holder

[@erm4292]

I dont own one but I see it as a tool to not getting shot after a defensive shooting or as a display that eases public when your concealed carry owb is accidentally or partially exposed that this person may be LEO

[@erm4292]

or if flashed intentionally when encountered a BG a shoot me first sign

[@alanpalagy5033]

My concern that if you keep it hidden and you display it when the police arrive you will be tagged as the aggressor who was play police officer. There are a lot of DA’s out there that are willing to nail an innocent person to the wall for the sake of convection. Remember they are elected politicians who keep their jobs by putting people in jail. I’ve seen this happen many times. Retired but still have a shield. My advise is holster gun as soon as danger has stopped. Keep your hands away form holster palms outward

[@ovigada]

Just shows the officers that you're a legal owner when they check your ID and credentials. Americans make a big deal out of everything.

[@Warrior]

Well, since these can be purchased by anyone, it doesn't really prove legality of your ability to carry a firearm, but it can be a useful tool in the right situation and you're right... many gun owners make a big deal over things just to seem like a more dedicated shooter than others. Not that there aren't arguments against the badge... I get it... but you also have to be open to other arguments for it (for the right reasons) and make a person choice without judgement. Thanks Ovigada!

[@anoren4480]

WHY would CCW be a different lifestyle than open carry?

[@grumpyuncle.]

You could probably get more mileage out of a big orange bandana that says "don't shoot me bro."

[@Warrior]

Hmmmm... should I put that over the red one I have that says, "Don't taze me bro"? :-)

Body armor and training would be better investments for gun fighting imo

[@Warrior]

I'll be covering the "training" part of it next week Zeus. Thanks for your feedback. :-)

[@fredbrown9917]

Body armor needs a permit in some states, illegal in others. Training best bang for the buck.

[@glockgunner]

Wearing a badge is not necessarily a smart move. I personally like the element of surprise that conceal carry provides. Even in an open-carry state, I carry concealed. I don't want to 'advertise' that I may be armed. There are also anti-gun wackos out there who would absolutely FREAK OUT if they saw a gun in public on you and cause a lot of unwanted grief. I prefer to keep a stealth or at least a low profile mode. "We don't need no stinkin badges!" Using your head and training is a much better choice.

[@lamarcarter6699]

Cow stands for concealment and also after a shooting for defense incident you are supposed to holster your weapon or put away call the police then your lawyer

[@LogicBob]

I listened open-mindedly because you're a reasonable guy and I think you came up with the one reasonable argument on the pro-side for CCW badges. That said, I'm already everyday carrying an extra mag, tourniquet, combat gauze, compression bandage, and pair of chest seals - I don't have room for a badge. Maybe I'll just put one of those stickers that cops give to elementary kids in my wallet and if I have to shoot a dude, I'll slap that thing on shirt. 😄

[@danham3344]

I’m a retired LEO so I know my badge is different but for all practical reasons, I keep it well out of sight. One reason I have not heard mentioned is that there are MANY scenarios where no matter how much training you have, you will NOT have the opportunity to thwart a situation by deploying your Concealed firearm. In such an instance, the WORST possible thing would be for Mr. bad guy to identify you as a threat or armed threat. It’s much like Mr. Anderson teaches about bug out scenarios. You DO NOT want to stand out. Displaying a badge(unless you must due to being an active & on duty LEO) makes you a target pure and simple.

[@Warrior]

So true danham3344, and really good advice. This badge (IF someone chooses to have one) isn't meant to make you look cool. It's ONLY a potential "useful tool" under very specific conditions (in my humble opinion). But you bring up a great point that it "can" work for you - or against you - as an alternative to a firearm. In some cases (I'm thinking of things like civil unrest), it could help you get out of a sticky checkpoint that's manned by "police supporters"... OR get you bludgeoned if you're in a crowd of police protesters, right? The right tool for the right time. Thanks for commenting man! Much appreciated!

[@brucea550]

Given that any badge can be easily purchased by anyone, and considering you can’t even see what a badge says until you are close enough to be stabbed by the wearer, it seems really stupid to me.

[@tomstaples7374]

In bad situations, we don't need one more thing to worry about ("Where's my badge?) And, taking a shiny object out of your pocket in such a situation might cause an unwanted response. I vote NO.

[@BlaineNay]

Utah code: 76-8-512. Impersonation of officer. A person is guilty of a class B misdemeanor who: (1) impersonates a public servant or a peace officer with intent to deceive another or with intent to induce another to submit to his pretended official authority or to rely upon his pretended official act; (2) falsely states he is a public servant or a peace officer with intent to deceive another or to induce another to submit to his pretended official authority or to rely upon his pretended official act; or (3) displays or possesses without authority any badge, identification card, other form of identification, any restraint device, or the uniform of any state or local governmental entity, or a reasonable facsimile of any of these items, with the intent to deceive another or with the intent to induce another to submit to his pretended official authority or to rely upon his pretended official act.

[@jhnm156]

100% reasonable, logical and rational

[@smc1942]

"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!!!" 😁 Your permit is all the badge you need. Better to spend the money on _AMMO,_ and practice, Practice, PRACTICE!!! Invest in your SKILLS!!! badges.... 🙄🙄🙄

[@Warrior]

Good one S MC! :-) This is definitely a personal choice. No real "wrong" answer if for the right reasons and one can NEVER go wrong with more practice. Quick question out of pure curiosity... are you a fan of dry-fire training? Well... I guess everyone's a "fan", right? I guess a better question is how often do you do it? It sounds like you invest a lot in hitting the live-fire range and I'm trying to see how much people balance out dry-fire with live-fire. If you have any input, I'd like to hear how you approach things. Thanks for commenting. Much appreciated!

[@leesutterlin1757]

It is neither weapon nor tool and is not negotiable currency. I have no room in my EDC or other gear for an item that will most likely never provide a positive return.

[@Warrior]

This is definitely a "to each their own" type of item Lee, for sure. I'm picky about what I carry also. For me, it's not on my person but rather in a concealed section of my EDC slingpack if ever needed. Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

[@darkbright99]

The cons far outweigh the pros of a ccw badge. Don't do it.

[@vhalym4981]

first

[@Alessandro-tf5xh]

That badge wont be seen from anyone during a shooting

[@Warrior]

Nothing is absolute (either way). Could be seen... could NOT be seen. The question is, if it COULD be seen, could it possibly help? Possibly?? If the answer is yes... and it's used for the purpose stated... then doesn't it make sense to have it?

[@marcgrundfest1495]

Police are trained to look for it.. police on police friendly fire is a thing. But no any such badge should be a totally different shape and color to avoid confusion with law enforcement As licensed and unlicensed carry becomes more popular..a forward thinking jurisdiction such as TX of FL may actually come up with one. Your best chance of avoiding friendly fire ..is trained handling skill. And deconfliction procedures.. It's also a good idea to follow orders without question.

[@alimfuzzy]

Nope. Don't pretend to be a cop. At an ego level that is the equivalent of stolen valor. At an authoritative level police are there to serve the community and have training to do so. Carrying the badge comes with earned responsibility. If you aren't going to live up to all the duties of a police officer then it is abuse of it. I call it fraud and 100% behind you getting charged for it. Would you pretend to be an EMT too?

[@cbmcmillan7382]

The less visible-the better- we should learn a lesson from the Ninja

[@Warrior]

Thanks for your feedback @AL. To dig deeper (and play devil's advocate), this isn't referring to "pretending to be a cop", nor stolen valor of possessing a badge. If I was performing CPR on a shooting victim, I wouldn't be concerned about getting shot so no worries about "pretending to be an EMT". The message is solely about (as I stated in another reply) the question of whether a badge COULD possibly help in these types of extreme scenarios? If the answer is yes... and it's used for the purpose stated (not for ego or pretending to be a cop)... then doesn't it make sense to have it if it could possibly avoid a mistaken identity shooting? Next week I'll be covering the Arvada, CO shooting more in-depth that plays very much into this same question. I'm certainly open to further input. I recognize and respect that this is a personal choice and not everyone will agree. Thanks for chiming in. Much appreciated.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Display of a CCW/2nd A badge AFTER firing a sidearm so as to buy a few seconds of pause by leo's whose adrenaline is pumping is NOT pretending to be a cop. It's your conduct and behavior that determines if there's any "impersonation".