velcro patches

How to Choose the Right Backing for Your Custom Patches

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that, in 2018, there were around 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States. That’s a lot of manpower. It’s also a lot of equipment — not just the big stuff, but small things like uniform patches as well.

If you’re looking to acquire patches for official use or even just for fun, how do you choose the right backing to ensure they’ll work for their intended purpose? What options are available for patch backing and how permanent are those options? Let’s take a look at four of the most common patch backing options in a little more detail.

Sew-On Patches

Sew-on patches are the most common and also the most permanent option available. They provide a solid and durable hold that will last for years to come, even when exposed to the elements or otherwise rough environments.

Iron-On Patches

Using an adhesive material on the backing, iron-on patches are by far the easiest and fastest way to attach a patch. Use an iron to soften the backing, then place the patch where you want it. While iron-on patches are not as secure as sewn-on patches, they do provide a lasting hold that will withstand pretty much anything you can really put it through.

Velcro Patches

One step down in terms of permanence is velcro backing. Choose velcro patches if you’re looking for a secure hold that also allows for quick and easy removal and relocation.

Tape-Backing Patches

Tape is a good option for non-permanent patches used for festivals, concerts, and other events. However, be careful to choose heavy-duty tape to ensure a secure hold for as long as you want it.

There are also backing options such as plastic, button loop, and even pinning patches with safety pins. The only real limit is your imagination.

In the end, patches are a great way to decorate an outfit, show support for a cause, show affiliation with a group, or otherwise just have some fun with an old jacket or shirt. Regardless of what your end goal is, choosing the right patch backing will help you get the look you want and help the results be as permanent as you want them to be.

custom police badges

6 Things to Consider for Custom Police Badges

What’s the best way to identify a police officer? One of the simplest answers is through custom badges. Customized police badges can be purchased for any occasion and with any design that fits your needs. There are also plenty of features you can add on, like clip holder attachments and lanyards. All these choices make picking out your badge a little overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when choosing custom badges.

1. What Kind of Badge Would They Like?

Law enforcement badges come in different shapes and sizes, with some options even allowing for additional artwork or features. When choosing a badge style, what matters most is the design you think would best fit your officers. One good feature to consider is the thickness of the badge, as this can impact how it hangs/closes on a belt or lanyard.

2. What Material Do They Prefer?

One of the first decisions you have to make when ordering custom badges is whether you want them made of metal or plastic. While badges made of metal will be sturdier and more professional, they’re also heavier and bulkier than those made from plastic. Some law enforcement personnel might prefer the weight of a metal badge because it feels better balanced on their uniform, while others like the lighter feel of a plastic badge.

3. What Color Should It Be?

Most police badges are silver or gold, as these colors tend to stick out and make identification easier. However, law enforcement agencies can pick from various colors for their badges, depending on the design. Some other popular choices include black, blue, purple, green, or red. Just make sure that you check with your local law enforcement agency to ensure that the color you choose will be easy for them to spot.

4. Do They Want Lanyards?

You can add a lot of functionality to a badge by adding a lanyard. They make it possible to wear your badge around your neck, which is excellent for ID checks or in case you need to show your badge without reaching into your pockets. If you decide to add this accessory, make sure that you choose one made of sturdy nylon and that has a breakaway clip, so you don’t lose your lanyard.

5. Would They Prefer Rounded Corners?

Custom badges typically have two types of edges, flat and rounded. Rounded corners are the more common option, as they allow for easy removal from a holder while also preventing possible injury to other people or objects. Flat edges may look nicer on your badge but can be harder to store since it’s harder to take your badge out of its holder.

6. Do They Need an Additional Clip?

Custom police badges can either come with or without a metal clip on the back. This is useful for inserting into your uniform, lanyard, or badge wallet. However, some law enforcement personnel may not want to attach their badge to anything at all, so you should check with them before purchasing this feature.

It’s important to keep in mind that these badges are not just for decoration. They should be functional and stand up against the wear and tear of daily use, so don’t choose a design or features based on price alone. Put some thought into each decision so you purchase a badge that will last and is suited to your officer’s needs.

patch creator

The Benefits of Embroidered Key Fobs for Your Agency

Embroidered key fobs will stand out from the plain and generic key fobs. This will grab attention quickly, and anyone who notices your key fobs will be interested in exploring them further. This is an easy way to stand out as an agency. There are 17,985 police agencies in the United States. These include City Police Departments, County Sheriff’s Offices, State Police/Highway Patrol, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. Embroidered key fobs will help you stand out in a unique way. Read on to find out more benefits of embroidered key fobs for your agency.

High Utility Value

An embroidered key fob will keep your department well exposed in front of the community members. Unlike the traditional key fobs that were designed to carry keys only, embroidered key fobs made using a patch creator can bring together several tools that you can find useful in your daily life. Apart from that, embroidered key fobs are also quite easy to customize. Each officer and staff member can have their name embroidered on their own key fob. You can also put your department logo on it to help you stand out.

Effective Tokens of Corporate Identity and Branding

Key fobs can be used to display your department’s personality and corporate culture in an emphatic yet subtle manner. Each police agency needs to establish a brand. Brands in police agencies have both external and internal impacts. A properly developed brand will help engage current employees. It will also be quite useful in recruiting people who understand your agency’s mission, vision, and values. That way, applicants who are not a perfect fit will be turned away. Failure to do so might harm a forward-thinking agency.

Gather Agency Brand Momentum

As a brand, you will have your own momentum. As soon as you start moving forward, it will be difficult to alter your direction. Therefore, it is important for you to control your messaging and control what outsiders think and feel about your agency. An agency that doesn’t put effort into shaping its own brand allows outsiders and events to shape the way people perceive it. So, think about what you want citizens to know about you and create key fobs that support your statements.

When your agency and frontline officers internalize the promises inferred by your brand, you will be able to easily foster positive relationships with the community you serve. If you are interested in branding your agency using a patch creator to create embroidered key fobs, get in touch with us today. We can supply you with a patch creator that you can use to come up with your own embroidered designs.

police badge customization

Law Enforcement Badges That Represent Your Community

There are many types of law enforcement officers. These include police, security guards, deputies, and federal agents, among others. As such, you will also find that there are different types of police badges.

What Do Badges Represent?

Badges are one of the most important police insignia. The word “police” was derived from the Greek word polis. This word also means city. Policing started around 3000 BC in Egypt. Over time, the need for identification led to the creation of badges. Nowadays, you will even find police badge customization according to their department. The majority of badges have five or six-point stars.

Other law enforcement agencies have badges with designs that have variations of a shield. Each badge varies according to the department it represents. However, even though they come in many different designs, all these badges represent the same thing. When you think about a law enforcement badge, you often associate it with an officer of the law. The badge, along with most other law enforcement insignias, represents someone of authority.

The Reputation of the Badge

People who are not in law enforcement often view badges differently. Some of them associate badges with negative connotations of authority. Some think that they are a symbol of the government’s repressive nature. For some, badges represent keepers of the peace. However it is that people view these badges, they are probably the most recognizable element of a law enforcement uniform. With modern technology came police badge customization. That’s why you can find different types of badges that inspire different feelings in people.

A Badge Represents a Person Civilians Can Trust for Safety

Even nowadays, most people still look to the police for comfort and safety. If someone is in trouble, the sight of a badge can inspire hope. Most people still depend on law and order and will need assistance from the authorities in times of stress and trauma. Once you see a badge, you will know that the law has arrived, and you now have someone you can trust for help.

Officers that are off duty will display their badges upon request. These are usually carried in a sturdy badge holder. In some instances, a badge can be hung around your neck. Some also pin it on their vest or keep them in their wallets. Currently, some badges are customized. Police badge customization enables civilians to know exactly who they are dealing with.

face mask

Why Your Department Needs Custom Face Masks

Throughout the pandemic, as the world closed and people remained home for days or even weeks at a time, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS continued to work to keep the public safe. Now that the US is slowly reopening, first responders are once again finding work return to normal. However, the threat of COVID-19 is not over. According to the CDC, a face mask should be worn by all people who are at least two years old to help reduce this threat. As a result, your first responder department can benefit from custom masks. Here’s why.

Safety

First and foremost, masks keep people safe. Due to the nature of the virus, someone could be sick with it and not even know. Face coverings protect you from other people who might have the virus, and they prevent you from spreading it to other people, even unknowingly. Since first responders work on a team, close proximity is a danger that can’t be avoided. Masks can help, and providing them to your teams is the first step in ensuring everyone remains as safe as possible.

Uniformity

Patches and badges are an important feature of first responder uniforms. They unite teams and help with easy identification. Custom face masks can work in the same way. With your department’s logo printed onto them, they become part of the uniform. Rather than detract from your agency’s look, customization allows you to add to it.

High-Quality

The main difference between custom face masks and regular old ones is quality. Even if standard masks can get the job done, custom ones can do it much better. Companies that customize masks use only the best materials. Double and triple layers ensure the masks are as effective as possible, and soft materials on the inside keep the wearer comfortable. These types of masks usually come with other features too, such as adjustable ear straps and shapes designed to better fit a face.

With custom face masks for your department, you just can’t go wrong. They will keep your first responders safe, comfortable, and uniform. When it comes to your agency, you only want the best, so be sure to consult with The Emblem Authority when you’re ready to get your masks made. It’ll be one of the best decisions you make.

masks

3 Factors for the Best Custom Masks

As the world around us opens up and recovers from the havoc of COVID-19, it is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent an outbreak from flaring up again. Even as people return to work, to shops, and to other public places, safety regulations are necessary. Wearing masks, frequently washing hands, and social distancing are the best ways to avoid spreading COVID-19 any further. If we aren’t careful, we could see the return of high rates of cases.

The First Line of Defense

Just as law enforcement and fire departments are our first line of defense against crime, fires, and other threatening situations, masks are a physical barrier against the virus. They protect you from contracting the virus from other people and they also prevent you from unknowingly spreading it to someone else. If you are looking for custom masks for your police, fire, or EMS department to wear, here are some things to consider to ensure you end up with the highest quality possible.

1. Layers

The more layers your mask has, the better. While a thin face covering is better than nothing, the virus may be able to seep into the microscopic pores of your mask, rendering it useless. The more layers, the less likely this is to happen. The number of layers you should look for in a mask depends on certain factors, but 3 is a safe number in general because the mask will be both effective and comfortable to wear.

2. Materials

One thing you should not skimp out on is the materials used for your face mask. A tough outer layer that can keep the virus out is ideal, as is a softer, mesh-like material on the inside to keep your face cool and comfortable. If the materials used are machine-washable, even better!

3. Customization

Customization is the reason you’re here, isn’t it? You can find high-quality masks from multiple companies, but the ability to add your department’s logo is what sets apart the best companies from the rest. A mask on a face will often be the first thing seen on someone, so just as your department’s uniforms, patches, and badges serve to unite and identify the team, so too can the masks. Find a company that offers a variety of options, such as colors, sizes, and positioning.

Now that you know what to look for in a mask, it only comes down to finding a company that can meet all of these factors. The Emblem Authority checks all the boxes, and their masks come with even more features such as adjustable ear straps and a curved shape for a better fit. When you’re ready to start customizing the perfect mask, be sure to consult with them!

law enforcement decals

What You Need to Know About Law Enforcement Decals

Currently, over 800,000 police officers are working in the United States. That number is higher than ever before, and that means law enforcement may have greater needs than before, too.

Namely, it is more important than ever for law enforcement to easily identify themselves to the public and to each other. This identification keeps day-to-day police work transparent, effective, and high-quality. Some of the best ways to keep identification clear and simple are to use law enforcement decals and patches. Here are a few advantages of patches and law enforcement decals.

Quick Identification Among Fellow Officers and Frontline Workers

Law enforcement is well aware that their work can — and often does — require them to work outside their immediate jurisdiction. That means collaborating with officers, EMTs, firefighters, and more from the next town over or several towns over.

Custom law enforcement decals and law enforcement patches enable fellow officers, healthcare workers, and more to quickly identify you and your colleagues by town, city, or precinct. Decals and badges may contain additional information, like rank, position, unit, and/or the officer’s badge number.

Quick Identification by the General Public

Likewise, it is very important for the general public to be able to identify a police officer without any undue confusion. Unfortunately, there have been instances of people posing as cops and pulling people over.

Blatant law enforcement decals and police badges remove any doubts and confusion and help civilians feel safe as they are interacting with officers on the road or in any other setting.

Specialized Decals and Patches

Finally, there are specialized decals and patches that help identify officers and other workers as clearly and distinctly as possible. These patches may identify:

  • Forces with K-9 units.
  • Authorities other than your average police officer. Custom badges may help identify sheriffs, homeland security, border patrol, traffic control, park rangers, corrections officers, university police, and more.
  • Officers with particular honors or officers who served during specific times. There are custom patches and decals honoring those who have served during especially traumatic events, like 9/11. These patches can be a means of honoring an officer for their service and/or a means to help build relationships between colleagues and the general public.

Right now, law enforcement’s biggest asset is transparency. That is where custom law enforcement patches and law enforcement decals come in. Order professional-grade decals and patches to quickly identify yourself to colleagues, frontline workers, and civilians.

lapel pins

How Are Lapel Pins Made?

Members of the EMS service wear a unique uniform with distinguishing patches and lapel pins for easy public recognition. The lapel pins are an important part of the uniform serving as identification tags denoting the identity and affiliation of the wearer. They are usually placed in easy-to-see places like the lapel, collar, or front pocket for easy identification.

There are different types of lapel pins, each carrying out a specific function. A simple name tag or a badge shows which unit the person belongs to. Also, lapel pins can be used to show the rank and qualifications of the wearer.

Designing lapel pins follows a similar process irrespective of their function, so let’s look at how to design the perfect pin for your unit.

1. Choose the material, shape, and color of the pin.

The material that the pin is made from will depend on what function it will serve. For instance, a name tag pin may be made out of plastic, but a unit badge pin will look far more professional made up of metal. The same would apply to a pin that denotes the rank.

As to choosing the color of the badge, you may be limited to blue shades as this is the traditional color of the EMS department. However, the actual shade of blue chosen will denote your specific unit within the department.

2. Draw the basic design.

The drawing of the badge does not have to be perfect as the manufacture will provide the final graphic design, but make sure all your design elements are present in your drawing. For instance, include all the symbols. Will there be writing? Also, incorporate the color of each element.

3. Choose the backing for your pin.

Your pin must stay secure on garments. Otherwise, your staff will lose it while carrying out their duties. There are many options of pin backings available, so choose one that is most secure.

4. Get the experts to manufacture your pin.

Choose the company to manufacture your lapel pins. An easy choice is the Emblem Authority, a reputable company that manufactures patches and lapel pins for police, fire department, and emergency services personnel.

5. Distribute lapel pins to your personnel.

Once your pins arrive from the manufacturers, the only thing to do is to give them out to everyone and sit back and take the compliments on how nice the new lapel pins look.

Don’t forget to reach out to the Emblem Authority to get started! You will be sure to be pleased with the result.

patches

What Are the Best Colors to Choose for Custom Patches?

Patches are an important finishing touch for all service uniforms, be it firefighters, police, SWAT, security, or sheriffs’ uniforms. NFPA estimates there were 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States in 2018, and that’s a lot of uniforms. Different color combinations work for different settings but as long as you choose vibrant colors, you are bound to get unique, embroidered pieces of art. Choosing the right colors can be a bit complicated as there are so many colors available to choose from, so it helps to know the options you have before you can settle on a combination.

Tips on Picking Colors for Your Patches

Neon colors work great if you want to make a patch that really stands out. Think sports teams and such, where visibility and vibrancy are important, and neon pinks and yellows won’t disappoint.

Metallic gold and silver threads give a striking effect, especially when viewed in bright light. These colors shimmer as though they had actual metallic shavings within them.

Glow in the dark colors work to keep your patch visible in low light, and if you would like this effect, white and green are the colors that will bring it out the most effectively. Other colors can also glow in the dark, but these two will glow the brightest.

Extra Tips to Get the Best Patch

Keep your design simple so it is easy to identify your patch. Most people won’t take the time to decipher an overly complicated patch design.

Using bold text and designs will make your patch more legible, as most embroidery processes don’t work too well with thin, fine lines. Also, go for the biggest size option because it will incorporate your design perfectly as well as accommodate your message perfectly.

If you want your patch to really stand out without necessarily using neon or metallic colors, you need to pick contrasting colors that will bring out your design and make it vivid and clear. The most common contrast is black and white, and while you don’t have to stick to this, it helps to aim for a close contrast ratio to it.

Finally, pick a border color that complements the background and helps draw attention by adding depth to your overall design.

Design can take a few trials to get right in the end, and with patches, it is even more so. Just make sure to research the color combination you want and ask any questions about your design before getting it embroidered. Patches last a long time, and you won’t enjoy seeing errors you could have avoided!

Stock or Custom Law Enforcement Patches: Which is Better for Your Organization?

There are 17,985 U.S. police agencies in the United States which include City Police Departments, County Sheriff’s Offices, State Police/Highway Patrol, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. That’s a lot of patches. Patches are more than just decorative items on your uniform; they can display important awards, distinctions, and information. When you decide to get a patch, you have to decide on some details, including colors and whether to get stock or custom badges.

Custom vs Stock Law Enforcement Patches

While stock patches may serve the purpose, the existence of different agencies means that some designs may look similar to each other if produced on a stock basis. Getting a custom design ensures that you are putting the details and colors that are unique to you, and not to another production house embroidering different designs.

Custom patches have the following benefits:

They create a sense of belonging to each individual with one on their uniform. When everyone feels like they are part of a team with a unique affiliation badge, they work better together and enjoy the sense of pride that comes with being one big family.

Custom velcro patches will also help everyone wearing one to be instantly recognizable in a crowd. This recognition goes a long way in establishing the presence of the unit represented by the patch in any area.

Patches enhance professionalism, and while stock law enforcement patches will make for a professional look, the effect is enhanced with custom patches. A custom patch will have specific, unique information as well as a unique design and colors which all work to make it more memorable.

Custom patches will also be versatile and because you can choose the type of backing, they also get really convenient. The options for backing include iron-on patches, sew-on patches, and velcro patches. Velcro patches are the easiest to use and take care of given their ability to be stored and put on easily.

It is clear to see that custom patches are better than stock law enforcement patches, and so when making the choice, always go for custom. The purpose of a patch is taken to a whole new level when you custom-make it, so get the most out of it and set a standard that will be hard for others to beat.