 After HR218 was passed Officer P. McLaughlin of the Kearney (Neb.) Police Department started carrying every day. He had two badge straps and belt badge case made (pictured above) and it only cost about $25 at a local saddle shop. |
One way to alert responding uniformed officers to the fact that you’re an off-duty cop is to have quick and easy way to display your off-duty badge. Responding to a tip posted a couple of weeks ago, Officer P. McLaughlin, of the Kearney (Neb.) Police Department tells Police1 that he carries his off-duty badge attached to a leather strap approximately 1½ inches wide and about 3 inches long.
“This allows me to insert my little finger into the strap and maintain two hands on my weapon. The badge hangs below my weapon in plain view. I can move my weak hand front, side and back displaying my badge with out having to turn towards approaching officers. I can do this with an open hand so any one approaching me from the rear can clearly see the badge and the open empty hand. I carry my badge in a black leather pager case. This allows me to give up my wallet with out being immediately identified as an officer if the situation requires.”
 Officer P. McLaughlin of the Kearney (Neb.) Police Department. |
Although he doesn’t recall exactly who came up with this idea, Officer Mclaughlin tells Police1 that he’s glad he saw this little invention in an article in Police Marksman a few years ago.
“If I recall correctly it was a New York city Detective,” he says. “I was always going to have one made and never did. After HR218 was passed and I started carrying every day, I finally went and had one made... I had two badge straps and the belt badge case made and it only cost about $25 at a local saddle shop.”
McLaughlin says to Police1 members: “Be safe and carry off duty.”
