What does "Holding out as a Police Officer" mean?

Holding out as a Police Officer refers to the act of intentionally presenting oneself as a police officer, which can mislead others into believing they have the authority or status of an actual officer. This encompasses behaviors such as wearing police-like uniforms, badges, or using titles that imply law enforcement authority, all of which can create confusion and potentially lead to legal issues.

This action is serious as it undermines public trust in law enforcement and can pose safety risks, both for the impersonator and for members of the community who may believe they are interacting with a legitimate officer. It is important to differentiate this from actions that involve direct supervision by a legitimate officer, involvement in community policing initiatives, or assisting in training, as those activities are grounded in lawful authority and training, rather than the misrepresentation of police status.