Diguishing Police Officer from other uniformed?

Question

Visually, what is it that distinguishes an American police officer from other uniformed officials (or private security) that sort of resemble them?

Example, in a city I know, there is something called Neighborhood Services, run by the city. The field personnel wear buttoned shirt and pants much like many officers, a duty belt with a radio, baton, maybe cuffs (not sure), but no firearm (county and city cops in the same area carry a gun). They don't have a badge per se, just a badge-shaped patch. They handle matters relating to animals, and parking tickets. They drive a van with a yellow light that is fitted to carry animals.

Are they a police officer, with various arrest powers related to reasonable suspicion and such, or something else? I'm just curious because I'd never seen such a thing in other cities.

Answer 1

Most likely they are just security.  Kinda like loss prevention at a dept store or similar.  If they see parking violations or similar they are giving the authority to write a ticket.  Most depts run background investigations on these, "civilian" employees.  So....if they witness something against the law  (other than parking violations)they can hold you until an officer arrives and be a witness....It's somewhat to an area that I live in.  They are not sworn officers.  They should not call themselves officers.  It's not impersonation if a city official has appointed them and giving them authority to use these things.  I highly suggest not to interfere with what they are legally doing it'll get you in even more trouble.