I completely disagree. It's not psychologically healthy to be in 'cop mode' all the time and it contributes to that bubble. My family and friends even used to complain about it - they could tell I was paying more attention to the street outside than them when out for coffee, for example.

It also doesn't mean you'd walk past somebody in need of help - of course you should help them. Having or not having a warrant card makes zero difference to that as it's simply being a moral human being. An NHS employee doesn't need to carry their ID with them all the time to remind them to stop and help somebody! Similarly, having a flappy bit of plastic isn't going to protect you if you need to go full police mode.

I can't think of a single situation where I'd need a warrant card to do the right thing, and any person powers are sufficient. I had an entire year where I didn't carry my warrant card on me other than at work and never once had a problem. Never once needed to identify myself as a police officer when helping somebody and I felt mentally better for not having a constant reminder of work.

Furthermore, I think the risk of people inappropriately badging out is worse than the risk of somebody deciding that not having a flappy bit of plastic means they can walk past somebody needing help.

I agree that many of the new direct entries don't have 'copper vibes' this is the cause of that lack of vibes. The issue there is lack of street experience. In fact, I don't think I'd want most of them carrying a warrant card off duty.