Police patches are more than just uniform accessories; they’re symbols of pride, history and community.
Over the years, these small yet significant designs have evolved to reflect the unique stories, values, and identities of the departments and cities they represent. From commemorating milestones to fostering community engagement and even showcasing humor, police patches tell a story that goes beyond the badge.
Below, we’ll delve into the world of police patches, exploring their history, design process, creative examples and the growing culture of police patch exchanges.
A brief history of police patches
The origin of police patches in the early 20th century marked a pivotal shift in how law enforcement agencies identified their officers and established their authority. At first, these police uniform badges were simple shapes stitched onto sleeves — often bearing a basic city seal, department name or numerical designation. Over time, these early police patches evolved into intricate designs that symbolized a department’s local history, civic pride and dedication to community service.
For example:
- Frisco (Texas) Police Department: Founded in 1965 to serve what was then a small farming community, the Frisco Police Department’s patch was simple. However, the department’s patch, which has gone through five iterations over its existence, has changed significantly over the years, incorporating symbols that celebrate Frisco’s heritage, such as its historic ties to the railroad and cattle trails. The latest design embodies both the city’s historical roots and its modern identity, demonstrating the department’s dedication to honoring the past while looking toward the future.
- New York City Police Department (NYPD): The NYPD uniform shoulder patch, adopted on July 1, 1971, is modeled after the seal of New York City and rich in symbolism. At the center of the patch are the scales of justice balanced on a bundle of rods tied with an axe blade at the top, called a “fasces,” a symbol of authority from ancient Rome. Beneath the fasces is an inverted chevron with five stars, representing New York City’s five boroughs. Below the chevron is the police department seal, which includes a shield with windmill arms symbolizing the city’s Dutch heritage, flanked by a sailor holding a sounding-lead and a Native American with a bow, representing the maritime history and indigenous roots of the region. Above the shield, an eagle rests on a hemisphere, signifying the federal government and America’s emergence as part of the “New World.”
- Boston Police Department: The Boston Police Department patch highlights the city’s founding year, 1630, prominently displayed as “AD 1630.” This date commemorates the establishment of Boston, reflecting its deep historical roots. The patch also incorporates elements of the department’s dedication to protecting one of America’s oldest cities, showcasing its role as the first organized municipal police department in the United States, established in 1854.
How are police patches designed?
Designing a police patch involves planning and collaboration. Here’s what goes into it:
- Symbolic elements: Colors, shapes and icons are carefully chosen to reflect the department’s values. For instance, the color blue often represents trust, while gold can symbolize honor and commitment. Elements such as eagles, stars or city landmarks might be included to emphasize strength, unity or local pride. A notable example is the Chicago Police Department patch, which incorporates blue and gold to symbolize trust and honor, along with the city’s iconic star emblem and seal to highlight its heritage and identity.
- Local feedback: Many departments engage with community members and officers to ensure new designs resonate with local heritage and values. This collaborative approach strengthens ties between the police and the public, fostering trust and shared pride in the final design. A recent example comes from the Port Royal Police Department in South Carolina, which invited local creatives to help design a new patch. This approach allows community members to contribute ideas and collaborate with the department, resulting in a design that reflects the area’s unique identity and fosters a stronger connection between officers and the residents they serve.
- Quality embroidery: Modern technology allows for highly detailed embroidery, ensuring that every line, color, and symbol is crisp and vibrant. Companies like the Dutch Label Shop specialize in creating custom police patches, working closely with departments to bring their unique vision to life. They focus on durable, intricate designs that reflect the heritage and mission of the agency. By leveraging advanced tools and materials, they produce patches that can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining a polished, professional appearance.
When do police departments update their police patches?
Several factors prompt a department to consider a patch redesign, including:
- Community milestones: Police departments often update their patches to commemorate significant events, such as city anniversaries, department milestones or the opening of new facilities. These updates serve to honor the past while celebrating progress and growth.
- Historical accuracy and cultural acknowledgment: Some patch redesigns are undertaken to better reflect a department’s historical or cultural ties. For example, the Sewickley (Pa.) Police Department recently collaborated with the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center to design a new police patch. This redesign honored the area’s Native American heritage while fostering inclusivity and community pride.
- Brand alignment: Departments undergoing rebranding efforts or unifying under a new vision may choose to update their patches. For example, the Appleton (Wis.) Police Department unveiled a redesigned patch in August 2024. According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, the new uniform patch features “Appleton’s historic city seal, honoring our rich heritage and tradition of excellence, while also reflecting our continued commitment to meeting the modern needs of our community and all those we serve with compassion, integrity and courage.”
- Public feedback: Community sentiment can play a critical role in patch updates. Calls for inclusivity, shifts in societal values or requests to better reflect the diversity of a neighborhood can lead to redesigns that more accurately represent the community the department serves. For example, the Sagamore Hills (Ohio) Police Department redesigned their police patch in 2021 to better reflect the community it serves. “Our prior patch was designed in 2003, and honored the first responders who lost their lives on September 11,” Sagamore Hills PD Police Chief David Hayes told the Akron Beacon Journal. “I wanted a new and refreshed patch, that displays our community, state and country. The prior one didn’t have any characteristics that were part of our township.”
- Functional upgrades: Advancements in technology and materials also drive patch redesigns. Departments may incorporate features like RFID tags for enhanced security or opt for eco-friendly fabrics to align with sustainability goals.
- Crisis or commemoration: In some cases, redesigns of police patches are prompted by tragedies or moments of crisis. Departments may create special edition police patches to honor fallen officers, support awareness campaigns or commemorate a significant event. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the NYPD released a commemorative patch featuring the Twin Towers, serving as a lasting tribute to officers who sacrificed their lives and as a symbol of resilience and unity for the department and the city.
The phenomenon of police patch exchanges
Whether swapping patches with fellow officers, collectors or community members, police patch exchanges highlight the universal language of camaraderie. Officers often exchange patches during conferences or visits to other agencies, creating strong professional bonds and fostering global law enforcement solidarity. These exchanges are not just about collecting memorabilia — they build networks and promote goodwill that transcends borders.
Patch exchanges also play a key role in community engagement. Departments often host “patch days,” where the public can collect or trade patches, creating opportunities for citizens to connect with officers in a relaxed and positive setting. In addition, police patches are often used as fundraising tools. Limited-edition designs are sold or auctioned to benefit charities and police initiatives. For example, the Westchester County (N.Y.) Police Department created a limited-edition Operation Blue Santa police patch for community members to purchase, with proceeds being donated to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, N.Y.
Check out a handful of police patch exchanges shared on social media:
Fun and unique police patches
Some police departments embrace creativity and humor in their patch designs, reflecting the unique identity of their communities while engaging the public in a lighthearted way. These distinctive designs not only capture the essence of their locales but also create memorable connections with residents and visitors alike.
Some examples include:
- Roswell (N.M.) Police Department: Roswell, famously known for its association with UFO lore and the 1947 incident involving unidentified debris, embraces its extraterrestrial fame with a patch featuring flying saucers and alien faces. This design celebrates the city’s quirky history and has become a hit with residents, tourists and patch collectors worldwide.
- Salem (Mass.) Police Department: In a nod to its infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem’s patch features a witch on a broomstick. This design captures the city’s historical significance while embracing its reputation as a hub for Halloween tourism, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
- Dodge City (Kan.) Police Department: The Dodge City Police Department police patch pays homage to the city’s Wild West heritage, depicting the elements that earned Dodge City the title of “Queen of the Cowtowns.” The steer head symbolizes the Texas cattle drives that ended in Dodge City, while the locomotive represents the railroads that transported the cattle. Crossed six-guns highlight the protection and law enforcement role of taming the western frontier, all surrounded by a cowboy’s lariat rope.
- Sturgis (S.D.) Police Department: The Sturgis Police Department police patch celebrates the city’s reputation as a biker haven, prominently featuring a motorcycle. This design honors the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, an annual event that draws enthusiasts from across the globe, blending local identity with a unique law enforcement emblem.
Last, but not least: Order these police patch display products
For collectors, officers or anyone passionate about police patches, having the right display products can make all the difference. Whether you want to showcase a personal collection or create a professional display for a department or museum, there are many options available, including:
- Size: 43" x 27.5"
- Backed with heavy-duty nylon for easy patch organization and long durability
- Made out of wood
- Large size display frame 14"x19"
- 98% UV-protected case
- Book size: 11.8 x 8.26x0.19 inches
- Comes with 6 double-sided loop-surfaced pages and 3 O-ring metal buckles that can fold up your collection like a book to carry around
- Removable metal ring binders for you to organize each page or to add up to 4 extra pages
- Exterior of book uses two two-way closed-way metal zippers and a sturdy hand stra
