There are many essential parts to a police uniform, but only three are especially crucial. Modern-day police uniforms date back to 1829. In 1829, the London Metropolitan Police force standardized the police uniform, including wearing police badges, according to the London Times. Since 1892, these four crucial parts have been a part of most police uniforms. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Hats or Head Gear

Most every police uniform includes a hat or headgear. Often, police badges are affixed to the hat to identify the police officer as a law enforcement officer. There is usually more than one type of hat authorized by a police force for members to wear. There may be a “street duty” hat and a dress uniform hat. Hats are a crucial part of any police uniform because they add a finished look to the uniform, protect the head from the elements, and help to identify the officer as part of the force.

2. Pants and Shirts

Tactical pants and shirts of high-quality material are also crucial parts of a police uniform. You can find police badges on the breast pockets of shirts or sleeves. There may be two types of shirts and pants issued. Summer-weight uniforms and winter-weight uniforms are usually authorized. The pants and shirts make up most of the uniform and are crucial in identifying the police officer as part of the police force and providing a layer of protection.

3. Tactical Belt

Every police uniform is outfitted with a tactical belt. A tactical belt holds items that the officer will need in the line of duty, like a flashlight, baton, weapon, and other items. The tactical belt allows police officers to hold the gear they need and keep their hands free. These sturdy belts are a must for any police uniform. Tactical belts are a crucial part of the police uniform because they allow officers to fulfill their duties and have the equipment they need on hand.

4. Police Badges

A police badge is an officer’s way of showing their position, location, rank, and duty. Custom police badges that are made specifically for a department or unit are a great sign of honor, respect, and pride. They’re also important for showing members of the community that the officer they’re speaking to is legitimate.

The police uniform is a must-have for every police officer. It helps to instill authority and trust in the community. Like police badges, uniforms identify those meant to protect and serve. If you’re looking for custom police badges for your station or division, be sure to reach out to The Emblem Authority today.

A male police officer

Police decals are a way for police officers to show their pride in their work. They come in many different shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. Most police decals are designed to be attached to the windows of police cars, but they can also be attached to other surfaces.

What Purpose Do Decals Serve?

Police decals can serve a number of purposes. They can be used to identify police cars, or they can be used as a form of identification for individual police officers. Some police decals may also include slogans or messages that promote law enforcement values or goals.

The San Jose Police Department reports that the seven points on their badge have special symbolism. They represent the seven core values of the Department: Integrity, Service, Courage, Innovation, Respect, Excellence, and Diversity. There will be a lot of overlap in these decals with other law enforcement agencies, but each one is unique. Some other departments that use police decals are big city police departments such as the Los Angeles Police Department, the New York Police Department, and the Chicago Police Department.

What Goes Into a Decal?

Police department coats of arms typically bear the department’s name and logo as well as symbols that represent the department’s values and goals. The Los Angeles Police Department, for example, uses a coat of arms that includes a police badge, a California grizzly bear, and the words “To Protect and to Serve” written in both English and Spanish. The New York Police Department uses a coat of arms that features a police shield and the NYPD logo as well as images of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Coats of arms typically date back to the Middle Ages when they were used by knights to identify their families or organizations. Over time, coats of arms have come to be associated with bravery, strength, and honor. They are often used to represent law enforcement agencies because they embody the values that police departments hold dear.

If you are looking to create a custom police decal for your department, call The Emblem Authority. We are a custom patch creator for police, sheriff, fire departments, emergency services, and thousands of local, state, and federal agencies. We create custom embroidered patches that accurately reflect the individual character of each agency. Give us a call today!

Patches for fire departments are like a badge of honor. These patches represent their home duty station. There are several different types of patches for fire departments, each with their own strengths. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of patches for fire departments.

Sew-on Custom Embroidered Patches

Traditional custom embroidered patches for fire departments are a great option. They can be designed to represent a fire department perfectly. Some things that can be included on a custom embroidered patch are logos, images, firehouse numbers, and more.

Traditional sew-on embroidered patches are among the most popular. These patches are worn with a great deal of pride since they represent the department logo beautifully and are incredibly durable.

Velcro Custom Embroidered Patches

Velcro patches have a Velcro backing that makes them easy to attach to clothing. Velcro patches are popular because they can easily be applied and removed. About 67% of firefighters work in communities that have a population of 25,000 or larger, according to the National Firefighters Association. Career firefighters may find that they move from one community to another three times throughout their career.

Velcro patches are a great option for versatility and flexibility. These can also provide cost savings for those members that do move from one community to another.

Printed Patches

Printed patches are another option. Printed patches are the newest types of patches. They can be a great option if there is a lot of information you want to fit on the patch that would be difficult to embroider. Printed patches, thanks to state-of-the-art technologies, can be vibrant and unique.

There are many different styles of patches for fire departments, including photo-over, woven patches, and PVC patches. Each type of patch comes with unique benefits. Choosing the best style patch to represent your fire department starts with connecting with a vendor that has a wide range of options.

A trusted vendor will be able to provide you with the information that you need to make an informed decision. You will find patches that are affordable, look great, and come with plenty of customization options. Connect with The Emblem Authority today to learn more about patches for fire departments and all the options that are available.

 

Police badges are a virtual component of a uniform as it lets civilians identify police officers and other state and federal officers. Did you know that police officers have been wearing badges since the middle ages? According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, the concept of police badges started during the middle ages when knights used to wear coats of arms to signify their loyalty and allegiance.

Today, police badges are not only used to identify police but also to distinguish a police officer’s ranking. If, like most police officers, you want your badge to signify your ranking, its design is of utmost importance. In this post, we are sharing three important elements to consider in the design process of your badge. 

 

1. The Material

 

The first step in the custom patch designing process is selecting the appropriate material. If you need help choosing, our on-site team is available to guide you in the decision making process. We consider your department, your rank, and your preferences when it comes to selecting the material of the badge. The most popular material choice is metal because of its durability. Not only will metal badges last longer, but most police prefer them because such badges feel more balanced on their uniform compared to badges made of plastic.

 

2. The Color

 

After you select the material, you’ll want to pick out your preferred color. While most badges are either silver or gold, there are countless shades you can choose from. To help guide your decision, our website provides an extensive Pantone color chart for you to view and select from. This color chart is specifically available for metal badges. Of course, you aren’t limited to gold or silver. As you browse the color chart, you’ll notice shades of every color, including red, purple, and blue.

 

3. The Style

 

When it comes to badge edges, there are two types to consider; rounded or flat edges. Most police badges encompass rounded edges simply because it makes it easier to remove from their holders. Flat edges are considered suitable for aesthetics but can be difficult to remove.

 

When designing police badges, the three more important factors to consider are the material, color and style. If you want to start designing a custom patch, please reach out to our team today. We are happy to guide you through the custom patch design process and aid your decision making so it is a seamless and pleasant experience. 

A police officer stands by a construction zone.

According to the National Sources of Law Enforcement Employment Data, there are over 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving in the United States. That figure, the highest it’s ever been, means that the force is growing. Of course, the officers are spread across various law enforcement agencies, which creates a need for various uniforms with custom patching. Whether you’re just curious about the meaning behind different patch shapes, or you’re looking to implement a shape into your department’s uniform, this post will help you understand the different patch shapes and what they mean. 

 

Tombstones: Memorial, Grief 

 

Patches shaped like tombstones usually carry sentimental messages about a lost loved one. They mimic the stone markers you see on graves and are nothing more than a memorial. As a police or sheriff’s department, you may opt for this emblem shape if you wish to honor a serviceman who lost his life on the battlefield. It would go a long way toward showing solidarity from within the force. 

 

Tabs (Squares & Rectangles): Formality, Also Casualness 

 

When a patch is either square or rectangular, it symbolizes a particular degree of formalism. On the other hand, they could carry a simple, casual message, depending on who is using them. For example, when your department fits a rectangle patch showing the American flag, it gives a formal touch to the uniform. 

 

Shields: Formality, Loyalty to the Force 

 

Most police and fire departments have shields embroidered in their uniform as a message of their subscription to the force. Together with tab shapes, shield patches give the uniform a particular neatness, which explains why many law enforcement agencies prefer them. 

 

Since you now know the meaning of different shapes, perhaps you’re ready to design a new patch for your department. Whether you already know what shape and design you’d like, or you need assistance from our graphic design team, we will help you pick the optimal size and design so your department can have a new look that reflects your mission and vision.

A male police officer

One of the most predominant features of police officers is their uniforms and the patches that are showcased on them. Uniform patches for police officers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although they are a branding element, patches are utilized for a variety of purposes; the main being to convey information. Though patches typically have a very small space for writing, patches can encompass detail and symbolism. To that end, this post shares three types of patches to consider when designing your police force patches. 

 

1. Traditional Embroidered Sew-on Patch

 

Embroidered sew-on patches have been around for a very long time, and are available in a variety of sizes and styles. The traditional embroidered sew-on patch enables you to add an intricate design to your patch. One of the main advantages of choosing this type of patch is that it’s durable, so it will remain in-tact for years to come. If you are interested in this type of patch, first consider the design that you want on them. If you don’t have a design in mind, our skilled design team will help you create a custom design that’s perfect for your department.

 

  1. Embroidered Iron-on Patches

Apart from sew-on patches, you can also opt for custom embroidered iron-on patches. These types of patches come with heat-activated backing which makes the application process seamless. As such, all you need to do to apply them is to use an iron or a comparable dry heat source. Like sew-on patches, iron-on patches are both durable and customizable to your department. 

 

3. Hook and Loop Patches

 

Hook and loop patches are commonly known under the brand name Velcro. Such patches come with a hook and loop backing, meaning they are not permanently attached to the uniform. They are good for situations where you have different types of police badges that are interchangeable. For instance, you can remove them during a special event to attach patches that are specific to that special event. Like the sew-on and the iron-on, these patches come in a variety of styles and design options. Before you order, it’s important to take your time to learn more about the variety of choices available.

 

Are you looking for patches for your police force? We recognize that choosing a patch is an important decision because they are a large part of your department’s branding. At The Emblem Authority, we are a trusted provider of various types of police patches and emblems. Fill out the form today to place your order or to request a quote.

 

Oftentimes, when people meet a police officer, the first thing they notice is the officer’s uniform. With that said, the uniform is of utmost importance, especially since it portrays authority in a pristine way. But how did the concept of police apparel and law enforcement patches begin? In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of police apparel and patches.

The First Standard Police Apparel

According to Sage Publications, the first standard police apparel was developed by the London Metropolitan Police, which was also the first modern police force, in 1829. The idea behind the police apparel was to ensure that the newly created police department would be able to share common authority. This idea worked because the “uniform” ensured that people viewed the police force as a legitimate organization. Members of the London Metropolitan Force were required to wear appropriate uniforms and display batch numbers for easy identification by the public. During this time period, the idea of police apparel and law enforcement patches gained momentum and quickly made its way to the United States.

The Significance of Custom Police Apparel

Today, law enforcement patches are an important part of law enforcement positions since they are used to communicate the authority that the wearer of the uniform holds. Although police apparel has undergone several design changes over the years, law enforcement patches continue to be a vital part of uniforms. Since various members of the police force are affiliated with specific departments, the use of custom law enforcement patches is useful for distinguishing one department from another. At The Emblem Authority, our team is equipped with over 70 years of combined experience. Our design team works with organizations on a daily basis to create custom embroidered patches that accurately represent the individual character of each department. 

How to Customize Law Enforcement Patches

Not only is it interesting to learn about the history of police apparel and patches, but this insight helps highlight the concept behind police apparel and patches. In short, patches are uniquely designed to identify the department a police officer is associated with. We believe that these patches should accurately represent your department and always be up to par with your standards for quality and accuracy. Take a look at our About page to see how our values are embedded in our products.

With decades of hands-on experience, we will work with you to create custom-made law enforcement patches that are optimal for your organization. With every order, you can expect a top-quality product that is durable and designed to your department’s taste. Contact us today to receive a complimentary quote.

 

lapel pin on a brown felt hat

So you’ve made the decision to add a custom lapel pin on your department’s uniform! What’s next? Now that you know that you want to showcase your lapel pin, what designs or symbols are the best fit? The Emblem Authority is proud to offer custom-made pins, also referred to as custom lapel pins. Plus, our team will be there every step of the way to answer any questions and ensure quality– from the design phase to the final production. In this post, we are sharing three different symbols to consider adding to your department’s uniform.

  • Star

The meaning of the star symbol holds significance for members of the police force. There are several star symbols that can be incorporated into your design, including a five-point star, a six-point star, and even a seven-point star. The number of points you choose to showcase on your uniform is simply up to your design preference. Sometimes, the number of points on a star can hold a deeper meaning, but it tends to vary from department to department and can even be dependent on your department’s location. No matter the case, a star on a lapel pin signifies an officer’s affiliation with a specific department. 

  • Circle Star

A circle encompassed by a star is a very popular lapel pin design used by departments who want an eye-catching design. Depending on which department you belong to, a circle-star lapel pin may be the top choice for your department. As with all products produced by The Emblem Authority team, your lapel pin will be of top-quality and thereby enhance your uniform’s appearance. If you want assistance choosing a design, contact our team and we will offer several lapel pin options to fit seamlessly with your department’s uniform.

  • Custom Symbols Based on Sketches

While there are many different options when it comes to lapel pin designs, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to selecting a design for your department. Whether you see a pin on our website that you want to tweak slightly to fit your department’s style, or you have a sketch you want our design team to turn into a lapel pin, we will work with you to create the perfect pin. We are happy to take your sketches, ideas, and/or designs and create the perfect lapel pin. 

At The Emblem Authority, we take pride in designing top-quality custom police pins that fit perfectly with your department. We welcome new inquiries and hope you will contact us today to start the process of your lapel pin design. 

 

custom police velcro patches

According to IPA, the United States has roughly 17,985 police agencies. These agencies include county sheriff’s offices, city police departments, federal law enforcement, and state police/highway patrol. All of these agencies use distinctive patches as part of their uniforms. The following are key ways to ensure you have an excellent police patch.

Professional Appearance

First, you should check to see if the design you have in mind is a complimentary fit for your uniform. You can take a look at our custom police patches for design inspiration if you don’t already have a logo or design you want to use. We encourage you to work with our professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience with patch design work. Our experts will ensure the patch you decide on looks clean and is to your liking. And remember, patches can be present not only on uniforms but also on shirts, hats and more. 

The Durability of the Patch

If you plan to wear your patch often, investing in a QUALITY  embroidery patch is of the utmost importance. Our durable embroidered patches and our high quality PVC patches can be sewn onto most any uniform or outerwear. If velcro is an option on your uniform, an embroidered or PVC patch with velcro on the back are both great, extremely versatile and durable options. Rest assured, all of our patches are crafted with top-quality materials and made by professionals who are equipped with years of experience. So, no matter what type of patch you choose, we promise to deliver a well-designed, lasting product.

Use of Colorfast Threads

There are a variety of threads available. Our custom police patches are of the highest quality, including the superior thread used to create your design. We use colorfast threads in our production, which means the final product is not prone to fraying or fading.

Fine Twills

Fine twills are used to produce a premium quality fabric that is lightweight and durable. Fine twills have a slightly rippled look to them as they come from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or silk. You can use them for various purposes, including military uniforms and police patches.

Police patches provide identification for officers and so much more. They also symbolize honor, belonging, and pride in one’s country, state, county or city. Police patches encompass various different meanings with an array of design features. An excellent police patch has symbolic meaning in its design. If you want to provide your department with the best custom patches, contact us today for a free quote!

fire department patches

Being a firefighter is an admirable profession. It is evident in the number of fire departments in the US. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, by 2018, there were 29,705 fire departments in the United States. About 18% of these departments are mainly career departments. In the same year, these departments protected 68% of US citizens. A fire department should be unique and competitive. The following are ways you can make your fire department stand out.

Have a Well-Trained Department

First and foremost, you need to have a fire department that is well trained. This will attract volunteers and help your community in the long run.  Training must be done regularly. Certification courses will give you proof of training that not only improves your department but can also benefit your community by lowering insurance costs. You can find training courses at facilities nearby. In addition, you can even arrange them at your station if finances allow.

Stay Informed on Fire Codes

For a fire department, it is vital to keep up with current fire codes. Make sure that everyone who would need to know is aware of them. In addition, make sure all your volunteers are knowledgeable of other resources your community offers to help protect homes. Most of these will be available from the state fire marshal’s office or the local government. It is also essential to send out a reminder about these periodically so that the information does not fall through the cracks.

Fire Department Embroidery Patches

Fire department patches are an excellent way for fire departments and individual firefighters to identify themselves and show their pride in their vocation and department. You may have seen fire department patches before with words like Trained Volunteer. These embroidered patches help firefighters stand out. The fire department patches ensure that people recognize and quickly identify the professionals under this department in the field. You can get this same patch with your local fire department or volunteer members so that you are readily recognizable to all in the community.

The Emblem Authority is a custom patch creator for emergency services, sheriff, police, fire departments, federal agencies, local and state agencies. Our team makes all sizes of patches, as well as embroidered key chains, luggage tags, metal challenge coins, and PVC items. We manufacture using high-quality material and strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Look at your uniform patch the next time you have to head out to a fire scene, and let us know if we can help you improve this very important insignia! Our knowledgeable Account Executives are ready to help.