I have always felt that police, unless working undercover, should always be clearly uniformed and wearing badge and photo ID.
It bugs me no end to see a "police" officer wearing blue jeans with a gun on his hip and a stupid badge alone on his belt in front. From behind he looks like someone engaged in open carry. Also, badges are hard to tell if real until you are very close to the wearer.
I am licensed as an armed private investigator in Oklahoma. As one I can carry a concealed firearm both on or off duty, but it must remain concealed (unless of course it is drawn for self protection, etc.). I consider this to be a reasonably requirement. I think the same should be required of "lawmen" not in uniform.
Whatever, this officer was entirely wrong in his behavior and demeanor. Dismissal is not enough. He should be charged with assault and permanently lose his "peace officer" status. Otherwise he will just transfer to another department in that state. This guy sounds like a really lose cannon.
Well said BUMP.