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FAST FACTS:
keli.rabon@wreg.com
Facebook - WREG On Your Side Investigators
Twitter - @nc3investigates
(Memphis 2/11/2010) With just a simple search on one website, the On Your Side Investigators uncovered countless ways to compromise your security, hundreds of authentic patches from authorities all across the Mid-South.
Most are available to purchase for just a few bucks, so we bought several items to test the system. What arrived was the real deal.
"I would be really concerned about that. I cannot believe they would have these kind of patches and people walking around the airport with these on," airline passenger Daniel Ray said, as we showed him a Memphis Airport Police K-9 patch.
It's the same patch that real Airport K-9 officers wear on their sleeves.
"That's pretty bad considering we have to take off our shoes, and just about go through naked now, just to get through the checkpoints. And they've got people who can run around with these badges anytime? That's not good. It's absolutely ridiculous," Ray said.
We asked the Memphis - Shelby County Airport Authority for comment, but they refused.
We also found a Memphis Police Department patch online. It's the exact same patch that officers currently wear, and we purchased it for just $3, no credentials necessary.
The Memphis Police Department Administration refused to comment on camera, but said, "This issue is not a concern for the MPD."
President of the Memphis Police Association, J.D. Sewell, has a different opinion.
"You're not supposed to have this!" Sewell said, holding our MPD patch in his hand. "If you have criminals buying the patches and impersonating and harming the citizens, then the citizens are scared to even stop for the real police officers."
On Your Side Investigator Keli Rabon also took the findings to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
"That patch carries a lot of significance," SCSO Spokesman Steve Shular said, describing the department's green, khaki, and gold patch.
- The News Channel 3 Investigators uncover MPD, Shelby County Sheriff, and Airport Police patches for sale online.
- It only costs a few dollars to buy a badge or patch.
- Many people worry it could put the "police" power in unqualified hands.
keli.rabon@wreg.com
Facebook - WREG On Your Side Investigators
Twitter - @nc3investigates
(Memphis 2/11/2010) With just a simple search on one website, the On Your Side Investigators uncovered countless ways to compromise your security, hundreds of authentic patches from authorities all across the Mid-South.
Most are available to purchase for just a few bucks, so we bought several items to test the system. What arrived was the real deal.
"I would be really concerned about that. I cannot believe they would have these kind of patches and people walking around the airport with these on," airline passenger Daniel Ray said, as we showed him a Memphis Airport Police K-9 patch.
It's the same patch that real Airport K-9 officers wear on their sleeves.
"That's pretty bad considering we have to take off our shoes, and just about go through naked now, just to get through the checkpoints. And they've got people who can run around with these badges anytime? That's not good. It's absolutely ridiculous," Ray said.
We asked the Memphis - Shelby County Airport Authority for comment, but they refused.
We also found a Memphis Police Department patch online. It's the exact same patch that officers currently wear, and we purchased it for just $3, no credentials necessary.
The Memphis Police Department Administration refused to comment on camera, but said, "This issue is not a concern for the MPD."
President of the Memphis Police Association, J.D. Sewell, has a different opinion.
"You're not supposed to have this!" Sewell said, holding our MPD patch in his hand. "If you have criminals buying the patches and impersonating and harming the citizens, then the citizens are scared to even stop for the real police officers."
On Your Side Investigator Keli Rabon also took the findings to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
"That patch carries a lot of significance," SCSO Spokesman Steve Shular said, describing the department's green, khaki, and gold patch.
