A few months ago at work,many of my co-workers and I were given a sticker with our agency logo and were told to put them on our cars.I did not want to put it my car because I thought that it would increase the risk that my car might be broken into or vandalized while parked and I'm away from the car,while shopping,(for example).

I have a friend named Ryan, who is NOT a police officer.He is a city employee,who sometimes has to go to the police station to work on their computers.He was given a parking pass with the city police logo to display from his vehicle rear view mirror while parked on city-owned properties.I told him the reasons why I would not keep that sticker visible when not on "official duty",he disagreed with me and said that because of that sticker,he felt that the car became a lower risk of being vandalized or broken into.He said that if someone sees that sticker and thinks that I'm affiliated with the local police,people will not tamper with a policeman's car because they know that they will more likely get caught.

I took the other view,stating that if you are at the grocery store and someone has the intentions of breaking into a car to get some quick money,that he would rather target a policeman's personal car because of the higher possibility of finding a gun or bullets in the car. Most criminals don't like cops very much,so if they have the intention to mess up someone's day,would they rather mess with a cop or a non-cop? Ryan and I asked my friend Ray (who is a former police officer) what he thought, and he agreed with Ryan.) He agreed that a personal vehicle that had markings identifying the owner as a possible law enforcement officer would be less likely to be broken into or vandalized.?

Would placing a law enforcement agency sticker increase or decrease the risk of having your car damaged or vandalized if parked while you are shopping at Wal-Mart,etc.WHAT DO YOU THINK??  

uncledennis1 says ...

I would probably not place a department issue sticker on my personal ride. We both know the answer.

Agreed. Unless you want to wear a vest everywhere you go. May as well put a bullseye on your back....

I've had my parking pass in my windshield for 19 years, and never had any issues. Guess it depends on where you are (population here about 48,000)

Nope, no need to announce a LEO as an R/O of a POV.

It just don't make no sense.

One- As stated I do not want anyone to get the idea that weapons or other police related paraphanalia inside.

Two- For safety concerns I do not  advertise my POV. The last thing I need is a scumbag following me home putting my family at risk.

Three-I really dislike being a target. I have enough holes already.

Not a LEO but have worked for a couple for eight years and before that volunteered for close to fifteen years with a local city police department. Most of that time I have had Police Union stickers on my windshield that is very obvious for LEOs and their family members the first being for the city Police Department and now the SP. Both are not for those who donate but specifically given to you by a LEO. In addition, I have had our Chapter C.O.P.S. magnet and a bumper sticker supporting LEOs on my car. I have NEVER had any problems including when i have to drive through the inner city. As 36TR said, maybe it's because of where I live but have never had a problem and never heard of any LEOs having a problem. The ones who did have their car broken into it is believed the individual didn't know and just happened to hit a LEOs car because of opportunity.

The bad news is that about three months after Ryan and I had this conversation,Ryan's car was broken into and the thieves stole a few thousand dollars worth of computer equipment and tools that he needed for his job.But the good news is,that because he was well connected with the local police department, the thieves were arrested a few days later.I don't know if he had the police parking pass on display at the time that his car was broken into.

HijoDeDiosMRM says ...

The bad news is that about three months after Ryan and I had this conversation,Ryan's car was broken into and the thieves stole a few thousand dollars worth of computer equipment and tools that he needed for his job.But the good news is,that because he was well connected with the local police department, the thieves were arrested a few days later.I don't know if he had the police parking pass on display at the time that his car was broken into.

I know you said you don't know if he had the tag displayed or not but I wonder if yhe computer equipment was in plain sight. If that was the case it probably would have happened whether the tag was displayedor not. I know some civilians who think because they have that connection they can just leave things oot in plain sight...heck I know some LEOs who think that.

I guess I look at it this way. Does eating out in uniform (fast food, etc.) make it more or less likely something "extra" will end up in your food? The same thing probably applies to using department/office/LEO related decals on your POV to deter criminals. Some people may leave it (or your food) alone for fear of "messing with a cop," and others may target it just for that reason. Just my .02 worth.

I am curious how long you have been a cop? Why did your agency want you to place stickers on your personal ride? I also found it odd regarding food prep at eating establishments. You were not aware of this topic?

A border patrol agent in our small town had some extras in his food at McDonald's in the form of farm chemicals. He nearly died and was paralyzed for a couple years. He eventually recovered after six years and is now back on the street.

On another note, there are people that hate cops. There are even cop killers. What happens if one zeros in on your sticker in your personal rig while your wife is driving the kids around? I don't like people knowing who my wife or kids are for fear of them being targeted. I don't want to make it easy to recognize them by broadcasting it to the world.

Schultzy04

I'm glad to hear that the border patrol agent was able to recover and resume his duties as a law enforcement officer.I agree with you completely about family members being targeted.Very few of my wife's co-workers know what I do.She usually tells them that I am in the military,which is true,because I am still serving in the National Guard.

 I have an anti-theft sticker on the back of my 2000 Honda Accord and my car has yet been vandalized.  It definitely has been working in my favor for 14 years!!!!! lol

So if I understand this properly...Democrats are more outspoken and vocal about their views. Republicans will just break your stuff.

 My vehicle is very vocal about how it feels about LE and never had any trouble.