Sec. 216b.

(1) A person, other than a peace officer, shall not wear or display the emblem, insignia, logo, service mark, or other law enforcement identification of any law enforcement agency, or a facsimile of any of those items, if either of the following applies:

(a) The person represents himself or herself to another person as being a peace officer. As used in this subdivision, "peace officer" means that term as defined in section 215.

(b) The wearing or display occurs in a manner that would lead a reasonable person to falsely believe that the law enforcement agency whose emblem, insignia, logo, service mark, or other law enforcement identification or facsimile is being worn or displayed is promoting or endorsing a commercial service or product or a charitable endeavor.

(2) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both. A charge under or a conviction or punishment for a violation of this section does not prevent a person from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law arising from the same transaction.

(3) As used in this section, "law enforcement identification" means any identification that contains the words "law enforcement" or similar words, including, but not limited to, "agent", "enforcement agent", "detective", "task force", "fugitive recovery agent", or any other combination of names that gives the impression that the bearer is in any way connected with the federal government, state government, or any political subdivision of a state government. However, law enforcement identification does not include "bail agent" or "bondsman" when used by a bail agent or bondsman operating in accordance with section 167b.

(4) This section does not apply to a person appointed by a court of this state to serve as a bailiff or court officer under section 8321 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.8321, or under MCR 3.106 or MCR 2.103.

History: Add. 2005, Act 314, Eff. Jan. 1, 2006