Challenge Coin

Excerpt From Echo Park (Photo by Wendy Werris)

     Thinking quickly, Bosch came up with what he thought was a way out.
     "Look, I'm not investigating anything. I'm looking for something. I lost my challenge coin out here yesterday. I was just looking for it."
     "What?"
     "My RHD chip. It must've come out of my pocket when I was sliding down the embankment or something. I got home last night and it wasn't in my pocket."
     As he spoke Bosch reached into his pocket and pulled out the coin he was claiming to have lost. It was a heavy metal coin about the size and width of a casino chip. On one side it showed a gold detective's badge and the other side showed the caricature of a detective—suit, hat, gun and exaggerated chin—set against an American flag background. It was known as a challenge coin or chip and was a carry over from the practice of elite and specialized military units. Upon acceptance to the unit you are given a challenge coin and are expected to carry it always. At any time and any place a fellow unit member can ask you to produce your coin. This most often would take place in a bar or canteen. If you fail to be carrying the coin, then you pick up the tab. The tradition had been observed for several years in the RHD. Bosch had been given his coin upon returning from retirement.