Deconstructing a Police Department Emblem

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!