California, USA… No use of badge either in person or in print.

A star is a star, but depending on design might create confusion over your company’s association with the government.

California, USA… No use of badge either in person or in print.

A star is a star, but depending on design might create confusion over your company’s association with the government.

Stephanie Mitchell
Editor of Pursuit Magazine

Stephanie Mitchell
Editor of Pursuit Magazine

I used and use this article in my STATE APPROVED INVESTIGATOR School (to illustrate that section of 493) since and when this had occured. I also know that the Statue is specific about “badge which is indistinguishable at a distance of twenty (20) feet”( perception depends on the person and their own background). I am a former/disabled Deputy and I as well as ANYONE who displays a badge, intend to GRAB a persons attention for just a moment. Then clearify Private INVESTIGATOR. Before the door gets shut in the investigators face. To verbalize and brandish a gun oversteps any bounds. In FLORIDA we are lucky that they have not outlawed (like many US States) the use of badges completely. Abuse a privilage and lose it.

I also utilize and advise my students to use PURSUIT MAGAZINE to keep up on the latest PI news in Florida and the Industry in general.

Keep up the Good work Stephanie and Scott.

I used and use this article in my STATE APPROVED INVESTIGATOR School (to illustrate that section of 493) since and when this had occured. I also know that the Statue is specific about “badge which is indistinguishable at a distance of twenty (20) feet”( perception depends on the person and their own background). I am a former/disabled Deputy and I as well as ANYONE who displays a badge, intend to GRAB a persons attention for just a moment. Then clearify Private INVESTIGATOR. Before the door gets shut in the investigators face. To verbalize and brandish a gun oversteps any bounds. In FLORIDA we are lucky that they have not outlawed (like many US States) the use of badges completely. Abuse a privilage and lose it.

I also utilize and advise my students to use PURSUIT MAGAZINE to keep up on the latest PI news in Florida and the Industry in general.

Keep up the Good work Stephanie and Scott.

“Chapter 493, Florida Statutes clearly states:

XVI. BADGES

a. Florida law establishes that five-pointed star badges are reserved for wear by sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in this state. Any badge or insignia of such similarity to the official sheriff’s badge which is indistinguishable at a distance of twenty (20) feet is prohibited for use by individuals licensed under Chapter 493, F.S.

b. Licensed private investigators and private investigator interns should be especially aware that the use of any badge in the course of investigative activity creates a very strong suggestion of impersonation of a law enforcement officer, an act that would constitute misconduct in the course of regulated activities. ONLY the agency identification card and the Class “C” or “CC” license are needed for identification purposes while on the job.”

I’ve read Chapter 493 many times, and re-read it for the purposes of this article, and have found nothing stating what is contained in your article. I presume you may have been reading some information posts by the Division of Licensing on this matter, however, when it boils down to it, their information posts are NOT law AND they are not what is clearly contained in 493. Now there are specific statutes that state no one can use a 5-Star badge other then those authorized by statute, no one can use specific words such as “deputy”, “agent” ………, and Chapter 493 restricts the use of the Great Seal of the State of Florida.

At any rate, obviously care needs to be exercised by any regulated professional when using badges and in how one identifies one-self, however, based off the information contained in this article, I myself would have challenged any criminal charges on many different levels. So it would appear there is much more to this story then what is being reported. As well, there is a specific case on point (my apologies I do not have the citation) that relates to this matter. It was a case out of Georgia that went to the Appelate level which covers Florida and it covers the whole badge/impersonation issue and is very illuminating as to what the definition of a “reasonable person” is and how the simple act of displaying a badge does not constitute the act of impersonation. Remember, a “reasonable person” should ask for official identification and verify such identification.

“Chapter 493, Florida Statutes clearly states:

XVI. BADGES

a. Florida law establishes that five-pointed star badges are reserved for wear by sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in this state. Any badge or insignia of such similarity to the official sheriff’s badge which is indistinguishable at a distance of twenty (20) feet is prohibited for use by individuals licensed under Chapter 493, F.S.

b. Licensed private investigators and private investigator interns should be especially aware that the use of any badge in the course of investigative activity creates a very strong suggestion of impersonation of a law enforcement officer, an act that would constitute misconduct in the course of regulated activities. ONLY the agency identification card and the Class “C” or “CC” license are needed for identification purposes while on the job.”

I’ve read Chapter 493 many times, and re-read it for the purposes of this article, and have found nothing stating what is contained in your article. I presume you may have been reading some information posts by the Division of Licensing on this matter, however, when it boils down to it, their information posts are NOT law AND they are not what is clearly contained in 493. Now there are specific statutes that state no one can use a 5-Star badge other then those authorized by statute, no one can use specific words such as “deputy”, “agent” ………, and Chapter 493 restricts the use of the Great Seal of the State of Florida.

At any rate, obviously care needs to be exercised by any regulated professional when using badges and in how one identifies one-self, however, based off the information contained in this article, I myself would have challenged any criminal charges on many different levels. So it would appear there is much more to this story then what is being reported. As well, there is a specific case on point (my apologies I do not have the citation) that relates to this matter. It was a case out of Georgia that went to the Appelate level which covers Florida and it covers the whole badge/impersonation issue and is very illuminating as to what the definition of a “reasonable person” is and how the simple act of displaying a badge does not constitute the act of impersonation. Remember, a “reasonable person” should ask for official identification and verify such identification.