Why are people obsessed with asking this? Does it unlock a secret level of police service I’m unaware of? Is it a free get out of arrest card? Maybe I’m overthinking it, but it just seems like people ask this so much when they deal with police.
Name and Badge Number
r/AskLEO
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I feel like people use it as an intimidation tactic but it accomplishes nothing. Neither state law nor my agency policy require me to provide either if requested. I’ve always provided my name/radio ID (no badge number here) when asked because it makes no difference to me.
They are trying to take some sort of control over the situation or intimidate the officer.
It depends on the context, as others have pointed out it may be an attempt to try and gain some power over the situation. But it’s important to note that some people simply like to know who they’re talking to. If I just handed you over my id, you have my name, address, birth date, and license number. The least you can do is give me your name and badge number.
“But it’s not my departments policy!!!” ok? How many times do citizens identify themselves to you when they’re not legally obligated to? It’s a courtesy that goes both ways.