Q: Is it illegal to wear a duty belt in the state of florida as a civilian with a bulletproof vest if it doesn't say police
I am a content creator with the word cop in my name for a streaming platform because I am a moderator for a streamer. We are doing an IRL stream coming up down in Florida and I was wanting to wear my streamer outfit in public while we do the stream but I do not know if it would be illegal to do so. I do not have a badge anywhere on the uniform just a baton, and empty holster and the vest doesnt have any patches on it. Would that be ok to wear in public or would the police think I am trying to impersonate them?
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A:
Wearing a duty belt and bulletproof vest in public as a civilian in Florida is not inherently illegal, but it can lead to misunderstandings. The key concern is that your outfit might be mistaken for law enforcement attire, especially if it resembles a police uniform, which could be interpreted as impersonating an officer. Even without specific police markings, the combination of a duty belt, baton, and vest might raise concerns.
When considering this for an IRL stream, keep in mind that the perception of impersonation is often based on the totality of the circumstances. If your outfit, combined with your behavior or context, appears to suggest you are a police officer, you could run into legal issues or confrontations with actual law enforcement. Additionally, reactions from the public may vary, and some might feel threatened or uncomfortable seeing someone dressed in such a way.
To avoid potential problems, it's a good idea to modify your outfit to make it clear you're a content creator and not an officer. Consider adding visible elements that indicate you are streaming or using colors and styles that clearly differentiate your appearance from real law enforcement. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth experience during your stream.
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