Reacting to mall ninjas: What would you do?

[bogie]

Okay - Yesterday I'm at the store, and a guy walks past wearing a "POLICE" jacket, with a holstered auto... Couldn't see a badge, anything...

Now, anyone can buy those darn jackets. The normal mall security wears cheapo maroon blazers. I _almost_ asked him if he had ID, etc.

Should I have?

 

[Beren]

Why would you?

 

[Oleg Volk]

Saw a guy in a POLICE jacket at a mall yesterday. He got my attention. Can't tell much about him as his back was to me, but folks with POLICE/EMT/Red Cross/THR or any other badges or letters proclaiming affiliation tend to stand out to my eye. "Police" designation, being so open to abuse, stands out more than others.

 

[Joe Demko]

Did he do something to you?

 

[Edward429451]

I saw a long hair hippy type in Ft Collins once, wearing the classic 'ATF' shirt (Big letters in back). As I walked around him to check a little closer, I saw very small lettering on the shirt pocket...'All Types Flooring'! All may not be what it seems at first glance, so be careful.

(They were selling 'SWAT' and 'Police' hats & at the gunshow I attended this weekend, 12 bucks each.)

 

[4v50 Gary]

Most state have laws against impersonating a police officer. However, it's one thing when Bozo the clown dons a uniform and plays Keystone cop and quite another for Barry the Burgler to dress as a cop and climb through your window to investigate a burglary.

Also be advised that many LEOs have "raid" jackets and may have been returning from a raid. If he's LE, he may have been there to buy lunch or drink. Then again, goofing off comes to mind too. Now, if he's a mall ninja, his supervisor or manager should climb over his back. Doesn't look professional.

BTW Bogie, I wouldn't bother. If it bothered me that much, I would complain to the Manager of the Mall. He'll chew out the security company for their rambozoness. Bad of me to say it, but "useful idiots" are good for distractors while you either escape or seek a position of cover from where you can engage.

 

[NewShooter78]

Well you can get these articles of clothing just about anywhere. If they were carrying a gun, but not a badge that could be a tricky thing. Just wearing such an article of clothing does not identify you as a police officer. If he was a private armed security guard, then he still shouldn't be wearing a "POLICE" windbreaker, and most armed security personnel are issued badges from what I know of local priv sec. But why would you feel compeled to ask? Did you feel unsafe? Even if you did, I don't think a confrontation would be something you would want out of the situation.

 

[Gary H]

My only concern would be if this person was part of the international jihad. Otherwise, who cares..

 

[larry_minn]

...- Yesterday I'm at the store, and a guy walks past wearing a "POLICE" jacket, with a holstered auto... Couldn't see a badge, anything...

Now, anyone can buy those darn jackets. ..._almost_ asked him if he had ID, etc.

Should I have?"

IMO NO. You have a armed person that is either a Police Officer or a Criminal. So if he is a LEO you have bothered him to dig out his ID and he is thinking. "THis idiot is busting my chops for being in the mall. He knows I am LEO by jacket so must be going for my badge number to call in and complain about me grabbing something on my way home"
OR he could be a BG who is using his jacket to get ready to rob someone. He is armed. Neither situations is good.
I did have a security guard who was 100% dressed like a Police officer. His shoulder patch was state of MN with security company on it instead of a city. So I engaged him in conversation and he felt he could go anywhere in "uniform" armed he wante because he worked for security company. I suggested he check into it. He was in Wal Mart and I KNOW everyone thought he was a LEO.

 

[El Tejon]

You saw him. He didn't see you. Score one for Bogie!

Otherwise, no.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Geez...

You should have tackled him while screaming "IMPOSTER! IMPOSTER!" at the top of your lungs.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Was this a donut shop you saw him in?

If so, he was probably a cop.

 

[MrAcheson]

Ummm ask the guy if he likes Sting or not and what he thought of the Superbowl halftime show?

 

[PATH]

Tough call to make. If he is walking and not doing anything illegal then I would never approach him. Call local law enforcement if you feel he is a threat. If you are a police officer on duty then you can stop and say Hi and who exactly are you!

I'd bet that he is LE as most baddies don't bother to carry holsters. Mall Ninjas might though. HHmmmmmm!!! Quite a dilemma.

I go along with Mike Irwin on this one. Scream IMPOSTER!! IMPOSTER!!! and tackle him!

 

[bogie]

Well, sue me, but it makes me nervous when I see a guy walking around, possibly a cop, but since you can't see badge, whatever, also possibly some nutjob wanting to play cop...

 

[ajacobs]

I don't understand why you would want to bother this guy. Even if he isn't a cop do you have any authority in the mattter? Chances are this guy was a cop. Many detectives in my area where their badge on their belt or carry it in their pocket. They were their suit coat but if they help to serve a warrant or anything they dawn their raid jacket. Or even if they end up going out on a call becuase they are in the area or all the uniforms are busy.

 

[PATH]

All kidding aside bogie, I would tread lightly. Contact the proper authorities if you feel the individual is a threat. I might be nervous and I am armed.