Badge #4132 - Return To The Station

Written by Andy Aplikowski

Wednesday, 27 August 2008 22:40

Uh oh, Hudson Wisconsin's Police Department is missing a 2 badges, a gun, and Police ID. Worries about use at RNC. (Emphasis mine)

The police department in Hudson, Wis. voiced concern Wednesday about the possible use of their equipment during the Republican National Convention.

Officials told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS a police-issued handgun, two badges, and a police ID were stolen out of the back of a detective’s car sometime between Aug. 14 and 20.

"The officer involved had parked his unmarked car at his home, and left his pistol and badges inside the vehicle," said St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead.

Hudson Police Chief Marty Jensen said it was possible that someone could easily alter the police ID.

"The ID card is laminated, so it’s possible somebody could remove the lamination and put another picture on it," Jensen said.

The department worries someone could use these items to impersonate a plain-clothes officer.

"You hear stories about people going around impersonating police officers and getting this type of equipment is something they probably would use," said Jensen.

There is added urgency with the RNC just days away. Authorities said the police badges could be used to gain access into the Xcel Energy Center.

"The Hudson Police Department officers are not going to be involved in the RNC, so if somebody should show up with Hudson badges, that should be a red flag," explained Jensen.

Hudson officials said if a plain-clothes officer approaches you, you have the right to call 911 and ask for a uniformed officer to be called to the scene.

The stolen police badges have the number 4132 on them.

If anyone has any information about the theft, please contact the Hudson Police Department at (715) 386-4771.