[lemura]

So if a cop in uniform who was eating after getting off duty asked them to keep it down, could he be arrested for threatening them? Of course not.

A cop has no right to enforce noise restrictions where none exist at a public place of business. Intimidating others under the color of authority has serious consequences. He would be most likely be terminated, and the department sued, if this had happened while in uniform.

[CholeraJoe]

A cop has no right to enforce noise restrictions where none exist at a public place of business.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Have you ever heard of "Drunk and Disorderly," or its cousin "Prejudicial to good order and discipline?"

[cbkaty]

A cop has no right to enforce noise restrictions where none exist at a public place of business.

Disorderly conduct? I think that had they been drinking & were intoxicated, the possibility of PI would also be in order....

[hopespringseternal]

Intimidating others under the color of authority has serious consequences.

Except that simply walking up and politely asking a bunch of kids to keep it down is hardly intimidating. If you are so unnerved by the sight of a gun that you wet your pants, that is a personal problem that should be dealt with in your psychologist's office.

He would be most likely be terminated, and the department sued, if this had happened while in uniform.

What dream world are you living in? Cops do far worse and get off with a slap on the wrist, if even that.