Legally Armed Identification System

[bdickens]

I think the idea is stupid.

The best method for sorting out IFF situations, I would think, is that the bad guy is the one shooting at all the people who are screaming and trying to get away while the good guy is the one shooting at him.

In situations where the observer is in a position to see all of that and has time to watch for a while to figure out who's who, that's pretty much what goes on. Unfortunately, just like witnesses, approaching police officers only have what can be observed from their position to make decisions on.

Examples:

1. The approach path of the first LEO on the scene is from behind the CHL'er who's firing at the bad guy, who is ducking behind cover. What they see: 1 guy in civilian clothes shooting at somebody else who's not shooting back.

2. The LEO approaches and sees 1 guy in civilian clothes (CHL) apparently firing towards a group of people scattering away from him. A building corner blocks his view of the armed bad guy who is firing back at the CHL'er.

The real deal is much sloppier( in the sense that there's a lot of uncertainty and multiple ways to interpret what you can see) than the theory.

You are correct, of course, but some stupid little gimmick isn't gonna do any good, either.

[Excaliber]

I think the idea is stupid.

The best method for sorting out IFF situations, I would think, is that the bad guy is the one shooting at all the people who are screaming and trying to get away while the good guy is the one shooting at him.

In situations where the observer is in a position to see all of that and has time to watch for a while to figure out who's who, that's pretty much what goes on. Unfortunately, just like witnesses, approaching police officers only have what can be observed from their position to make decisions on.

Examples:

1. The approach path of the first LEO on the scene is from behind the CHL'er who's firing at the bad guy, who is ducking behind cover. What they see: 1 guy in civilian clothes shooting at somebody else who's not shooting back.

2. The LEO approaches and sees 1 guy in civilian clothes (CHL) apparently firing towards a group of people scattering away from him. A building corner blocks his view of the armed bad guy who is firing back at the CHL'er.

The real deal is much sloppier( in the sense that there's a lot of uncertainty and multiple ways to interpret what you can see) than the theory.

You are correct, of course, but some stupid little gimmick isn't gonna do any good, either.

I agree.

No offense to the OP who asked a sincere and reasonable question on a topic we all have struggled with, but the particular product he inquired about has nothing at all to offer anyone other than the guy who makes money when one is sold.

Other products (ID vests, hats, and rapid deployment fluorescent sashes come to mind) with at least some degree of utility and plenty of disadvantages have been discussed in other threads, but this one appeared to be designed more around fantasy than utility.

[Carry-a-Kimber]

Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent at this time.

That takes me back.
But seriously, holding a shiny oblect in your hand as police approach with guns drawn does not seem to be a sound idea.

[night4creeper]

But seriously, holding a shiny oblect in your hand as police approach with guns drawn does not seem to be a sound idea.

That was my thought. I didn't think the idea of the reflective tape was thought out at all, it could cause confusion/unintended distraction.

However, the only good idea I see is that your ID's would be strapped to your belt and keep you from digging in your pockets, but i dont think that is enough of an advantage to use it.

[ScottDLS]

I have a blue windbreaker with BEA (Bail Enforcement Agent) emblazoned in yellow on the back and the BEA "shield" on the front left. CHL badge is clipped to my gun belt on the right hand side at about 1 o'clock. Next to that I have my spare clips and my carry piece (nickel plated 1911 .45 auto, cocked and locked). I wear a lanyard around my neck w/ my CHL and DL in a leather case with clear plastic so you can see my creds.

I'm thinking I'm going to get a sash for when I'm actively pursuing a bounty...I wear the above as my regular attire.

[chefkristian]

I have a bluesee my creds. windbreaker with BEA (Bail Enforcement Agent) emblazoned in yellow on the back and the BEA "shield" on the front left. CHL badge is clipped to my gun belt on the right hand side at about 1 o'clock. Next to that I have my spare clips and my carry piece (nickel plated 1911 .45 auto, cocked and locked). I wear a lanyard around my neck w/ my CHL and DL in a leather case with clear plastic so you can

I'm thinking I'm going to get a sash for when I'm actively pursuing a bounty...I wear the above as my regular attire.

Dog would be so proud

[MojoTexas]

I agree...in the event I'm involved in a situation where I use my handgun to legally defend myself, I'll take my chances with just making sure I reholster my weapon when the cops arrive and put my hands in the air.

For people that want a badge and want to be a cop without giving up your day job, you should look into becoming a reserve police officer where you live. You have to get TCLEOSE certified as a peace officer, have no criminal record, etc...but if accepted you're a real reserve law enforcement officer with a badge and a gun who gets to work part-time as a cop without getting paid.

For example, in Collin County (where I live) here's the link for the Collin County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Reserve Unit: http://www.co.collin.tx.us/sheriff/reserve.jsp

MojoTexas

[hangfour]

I'd rather spend my money on some ammo for an extra practice session. This, in my view, is a solution in search of a problem.

[wrinkles]

The last thing I want to do is have something in my hand when a LEO asks me to show him my hands. The guy is responding to a shots fired or man with a gun so show him empty hands.