Is it illegal to dress up like a cop for Holloween or for a costume party?

**Big Dozer** · Posted On: 7/12/2009 7:37pm

I know its illegal to impersonate a police officer. but what if its holloween or a costume party?

This is just curiosity really. I plan on being Uncle Fester this year.

**BadUglyMagic** · Posted On: 7/12/2009 8:49pm

Originally Posted by Big Dozer

I know its illegal to impersonate a police officer. but what if its holloween or a costume party?

This is just curiosity really. I plan on being Uncle Fester this year.

May be, but strippers do it.

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 7/12/2009 10:19pm

usually you should be able to find a costume that is clearly not "real" - if your costume really looks like the uniform of your local PD you might be on kind of shaky ground.

**Ka-Bar** · Posted On: 7/12/2009 10:51pm

You have to apply the "reasonable person" standard. Would a reasonable person reasonably assume you're a cop at a Halloween party? Most cop costumes are so cheap and cheesy that no one would assume you're an actual cop.

**elipson** · Posted On: 7/12/2009 11:43pm

I've never had an issue with it, and my swat costume looked authentic. If its an obvious thing like halloween you're probably ok. The real problem would come if you were to tell people you actually were a cop. That's when you would get in ****.

**Frank White** · Posted On: 7/13/2009 1:40am

In California, legally it depends on the size of your breasts. Trust me.

Same with inflatable goats.

**maofas** · Posted On: 7/13/2009 4:52am

Get the most realistic-looking cop costume possible. Show up to the party and confiscate everyone's weed. Tell them you're letting them off easy.

Key point for realism: you need to grow a cop-stache.

**Hedgehogey** · Posted On: 7/13/2009 5:58am

It's only allowed if you have the following:

1: Big bushy 'stache

2: Aviator glasses

3: Short shorts

4: Intent to aggresively search us for contraband

**sochin101** · Posted On: 7/13/2009 6:17am

Originally Posted by Hedgehogey

3: Short shorts

Are these interchangeable for the really tight motorcycle cop pants?

On topic:
I think over here there has to be an intent to deceive. Like wearing badges/rank/insignia and seeking some kind of advantage. Just dressing up in a costume shop uniform probably won't get you arrested.
Unless you're a scarecrow

Hell, searching for an image of that has turned up more than one instance of scarecrows masquerading as Police.