I saw this suject before but thought it was to far passed to post a reply but since someone else did I thought I might.
I am a SFC in the US Army (Active and deployed), although I do not wear any patches except Name (Tony), Tm name (CRASH or TACCON) and the US or Texas flag on my airsoft costume, I like to see other Airsoft hobbiest wear the most accurate unifrom they can peace together. Two reasons, one is it makes me feel good (I have seen grown men wearing the exact same badges and patches on their Airsoft costume as I wear to garrison work), and the other is alot of time these guys or gals do alot research on the topic. As for the police thing, proper respect and safety considerations should be take. I am setting my wife's costume up as a SWAT style get up, and it will probalby say SWAT, given we live in Japan, I don't think it is a huge deal. She really digs the whole kicking door stuff so why not let her pretend .