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for larger version       Weiner: Stop Sale Of Fake Police Identification On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee accepted an amendment, offered by Representative. Anthony Weiner that would ban the transfer of fake police badges, except for legitimate law enforcement efforts and dramatic presentations. The amendment was accepted to the Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act. The Weiner amendment would close loopholes in federal law that allow for the trafficking of fake police badges. While federal law currently forbids the transfer of counterfeit police badges, there are broad exceptions which allow anyone to purchase a fake badge for “recreational” or “decorative” purposes. As a result of these loopholes, fake police badges - including NYPD badges - are widely available for sale on the Internet. According to a Weiner investigation, fake police badges can be purchased online for as little as $30. The NYPD receives more than 1,200 complaints each year about impersonators using fake badges to commit crimes. In May 2005, federal authorities arrested a Bronx man after discovering 1,300 fake badges in his home, as well as drugs and guns. “With a few dollars and the click of a mouse, anyone can impersonate a New York City police officer,” said Rep. Weiner. “By closing these loopholes we can take fake police badges off our streets. The logic is simple: if you are not a police officer you should not be wearing a police badge.” Weiner is a member of the House Judiciary Committee.
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