Thread: Help

I am new to the LE community. I just received an offer with the IRS- CID. I thought it would be a nice hobby to start collecting patches. Any ideas or suggestions on who, what, where and how to begin. Thanks.

First of all be prepared!! this hobby is one that will grab you by the @$$, and take you places you never thought you would go. he he really, it is a great hobby and welcome to it.
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What you should do at first. and this varries, but this is what I did. You should start out collecting as many law enforcement patches of all kinds. That will give you a good base on your collection and start you on a trade list.
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now you can start concentrating your collection on what you are trully interested in. like for me, I collect "mostly" University/College and Maine department patches. others collect K-9 patches, sheriff's dept.'s, special unit, federal. well I am sure you get the picture.
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You can start your collection by getting a few patches on Ebay or writing to some department requesting a patch. Some departments wont send you one but others will. I suggest you send a SASE along with you request. There are many ways to start collecting. You could also go to a trade show if there is one in your area.
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By the way congratulations with your job offer! Welcome to the job! If I can help you out some more send me a PM. take care and GOOD LUCK!!