Extremely unlikely that she "flashed a badge" and "bypassed" the checkpoint. First, not just any badge will do.

Second, with very few exceptions* anyone entering the sterile area as a passenger must go through the security checkpoint, even airport workers with a SIDA badge for that airport. There is no "flashing a badge" and bypassing the checkpoint when being a passenger. This used to be possible but that loophole was changed awhile back.

Third, unless a law enforcement officer must fly for duty and must be armed in the performance of that duty while in flight (or be prepared to use the firearm immediately upon arrival), the LEO is not going to be carrying weapons in the cabin; the LEO's weapons will be checked. For a LEO to fly armed requires quite a bit of routine paperwork between the LEO's commanders and the TSA.

Because this pax was flying with family there is little chance she would have been able to claim she was on duty and therefore might be eligible to bypass security.

*The exceptions for a passenger to be armed is a LEO on protective detail for a passenger on the flight or a LEO who must be prepared for duty immediately upon arrival (i.e. cannot wait to claim checked firearms). Usually VIPs traveling with a protective detail are not required to go through the checkpoint. These people enter the sterile area usually through the known crew member access point, the exit point, or a discreet entrance. These arrivals are pre-arranged (even if sometimes rather hastily).