Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Virginia

showing a P.I. badge

I stoped a lady for hitting a car and showed a P.I. badge. The police officer stated I could not even carrey a generic badge without a police lic. If I do P.I. work for attorneys, and use their lic. why do I need my own lic.? I am certified and had my own co. once, but found working for a few Lawyers was cheeper. I do not want to ask the people I work for. If any one can tell me case law or the do's and don't of carring a badge. That would be nice. Thanks, Arlene


Asked on 6/28/08, 9:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: showing a P.I. badge

I believe the cops got this one right, i.e., one should not be brandishing an ID, even a so-called "generic badge" as you've termed it which has not been specifically issued to the person who is packing it (particularly in these days of rampant identity theft).

Furthermore, I know of no reason as to why you would be intervening in a car accident matter by showing a PI identification which should have no more significance nor invest you with any special authority to do anything regarding the matter than it would me I were to attempt to stop someone in similar circumstances and show her my bar card.

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Answered on 6/28/08, 1:53 pm


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