Middle Tennessee Investigates Growing Concern Over Non-Law Enforcement Officers Impersonating Police

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

A recent investigation in Middle Tennessee uncovered a troubling issue: individuals who are not law enforcement officers, including a felon, were found wearing police identification and, in some cases, impersonating police officers.

This prompted state representative Yusuf Hakeem of Chattanooga to take action. Hearing concerns from a local sheriff, Hakeem introduced a bill to address the issue.

The bill requires off-duty officers working as security to wear a specific identifying patch, currently being designed by the state commission that certifies law enforcement.

Hakeem’s goal is to provide clarity and ensure the public can easily distinguish between actual law enforcement officers and private security personnel.

It gives that sense of security that we’re dealing with law enforcement officers or we’re not, Hakeem explained. He sees this as a statewide issue, recognizing that the current lack of clarity causes confusion for both law enforcement and the public when verifying authority.

The patch design is still being finalized, and WSMV4 Investigates promises to reveal it once completed.

The bill aims to address concerns about legitimacy and reduce instances of impersonation.

 

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