"Federal officials warn of fake police badges"

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Federal officials warn of fake police badges
BizNewOrleans.com


NEW YORK - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in New York this
week seized more than 1,300 high-quality counterfeit police badges that
closely resembled the badges of many different federal, state, and local law
enforcement agencies around the nation, including those of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement
Administration, and the New York Police Department. 

Federal officials say this seizure has serious Homeland Security and public
safety implications, given that these counterfeit badges may have been
intended for use by criminals and others with no legal authority to carry
law enforcement badges. ICE agents have launched a full investigation to
determine the intended recipients of these badges and to track down any
counterfeit badges that may have fallen into the wrong hands. 

As this investigation continues, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security
remind the public that a police badge alone does not necessarily reflect law
enforcement status. Legitimate police and law enforcement officers should
present credentials with photo identification as well as a badge when
conducting their duties. 

Persons who suspect the use of counterfeit badges should report such
incidents to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. ICE's toll-free
hotline is 1-866-DHS-2ICE. The lines are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. 


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