"Whoever . . . knowingly uses . . . in a manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that . . . (the badge) is approved, endorsed, or authorized by or associated in any manner with the (Government) . . . shall be punished . . . by a fine under this title . . . or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.".
Source:
http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/18C33.txt
If your badge does not contain any symbols giving the impression it is authorized by a government, then the key word is "impression". Your actions and the impression you convey will be judged. Therefore, we make the following suggestions -
Recommendations:
- The custom badges sold at the PI Store contain the words "Private Investigator Case Examiner" and do not contain any law enforcement phrases or logos.
- The badge should not be worn around the neck or in any other visible manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that the badge is approved, endorsed, or authorized by or associated in any manner with a government agency (local, state or federal law enforcement, etc). If you do choose to visibly wear the custom badge, it is recommended you take other steps in your behavior to insure the public does not have an impression you are a government agent.
- Use a custom leather wallet to contain your badge, along with an approved business card to use whenever you are questioned about the use of your badge.
- Never "flash" your badge. "Flashing a badge" is similar to what government agent do. As a private investigator case examiner, there is no reason to ever flash a badge.
MORE FEDERAL LAWS
February 2010
1001. Statements or entries generally.
1002. Possession of false papers to defraud United States.
1003. Demands against the United States.
1004. Certification of checks.
1005. Bank entries, reports and transactions.
1006. Federal credit institution entries, reports and transactions.
1007. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation transactions.
[1008, 1009. Repealed.]
1010. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Federal Housing Administration transactions.
1011. Federal land bank mortgage transactions.
1012. Department of Housing and Urban Development transactions.
1013. Farm loan bonds and credit bank debentures.
1014. Loan and credit applications generally; renewals and
discounts; crop insurance.
1015. Naturalization, citizenship or alien registry.
1016. Acknowledgment of appearance or oath.
1017. Government seals wrongfully used and instruments
wrongfully sealed.
1018. Official certificates or writings.
1019. Certificates by consular officers.
1020. Highway projects.
1021. Title records.
1022. Delivery of certificate, voucher, receipt for military
or naval property.
1023. Insufficient delivery of money or property for
military or naval service.
1024. Purchase or receipt of military, naval, or veteran's
facilities property.
1025. False pretenses on high seas and other waters.
1026. Compromise, adjustment, or cancellation of farm
indebtedness.
1027. False statements and concealment of facts in relation
to documents required by the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974.
1028. Fraud and related activity in connection with
identification documents and information.(!1)
1028A. Aggravated identity theft.
1029. Fraud and related activity in connection with access
devices.
1030. Fraud and related activity in connection with
computers.
1031. Major fraud against the United States.
1032. Concealment of assets from conservator, receiver, or
liquidating agent of financial institution.
1033. Crimes by or affecting persons engaged in the business
of insurance whose activities affect interstate
commerce.
1034. Civil penalties and injunctions for violations of
section 1033.
1035. False statements relating to health care matters.
1036. Entry by false pretenses to any real property, vessel,
or aircraft of the United States or secure area of
any airport or seaport.
1037. Fraud and related activity in connection with
electronic mail.
1038. False information and hoaxes.
1039. Fraud and related activity in connection with
obtaining confidential phone records information of a
covered entity.
1040. Fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency
benefits.