Yes, the last thing you want "tactically" is anything even resembling that you may be a cop, or even may have a gun period. This is usually the primary argument against open carry. But, having lived in an open carry state, it did not seem to be a problem. Again, when I am off duty my badge comes off my belt and into the pocket of my BDU's. I could see a robber not worried about an armed civilian if they happened to see the civilian carrying a gun. But when they see a shield that calls the robber to a whole different level. When they see a badge, that connects to cop, who would be armed, thus panic mode sets in. That's when trouble starts. I don't think that it is a "wanna be cop" thing, really. Its more of managing the responsibility of having any kind of badge in public while not having a distinctive uniform. IMHO, a cwp should only be revealed when in it requested by the authorities. When a bad guy sees your badge you are not the casual person that happens to be in the same place. In this persons mind you are the narc or detective that has been on his heels since his last crime.....