Impersonation: search and rescue personnel.

Existing law makes it a crime for a person who is not a peace officer, with the intent of fraudulently impersonating a peace officer, or of fraudulently inducing the belief that he or she is a peace officer, to willfully wear, exhibit, or use the badge, authorized uniform, insignia, emblem, device, label, certificate, card, or writing, of a peace officer. This bill would make it a misdemeanor for a person who is not an officer or member of a government agency managed or affiliated search and rescue unit or team, with the intent of fraudulently impersonating an officer or member, as defined, of a government agency managed or affiliated search and rescue unit or team, as defined, to willfully wear, exhibit, or use the badge, authorized uniform, insignia, emblem, device, label, certificate, card, or writing of a government agency managed or affiliated search and rescue unit or team, as specified. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.