Today I was contacted by an investigator from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office regarding a reproduction badge that was posted on BadgeSwap. He informed me that the Sheriff's Office had trademarked the badge design, which legally makes all reproductions counterfeit (and therefore illegal). He also informed me that upon retirement, employees are issued "Retired" badges (and do not get to keep their actual badge) which means that any "non-retired" genuine, current issue LA Co. Sheriff's Office badge in private hands is either lost or stolen.

The Sheriff's office is aggressively & proactively seeking out badges representing that agency offered for sale online and have prosecuted those involved in the past.

Effective immediately all members are prohibited from listing or purchasing Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office Badges on BadgeSwap.

Those members who violate this prohibition in the future are:
1. Knowingly committing a criminal act
2. Will face immediate account suspension
3. Granting consent to have their account information released to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office.

In short, please don't list anything from the LA County Sheriff's Office - as it forces me into a position that I have no desire to be in.

Thanks,
Roger