A police officer stands by a construction zone.

What Do Different Patch Shapes Mean?

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

3 Types of Patches to Consider for Your Police Force

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.

 

The History of Police Apparel and Patches

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

3 Symbols to Consider Putting on Your Custom Lapel Pin

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

What Makes a Great Police Patch?

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

How to Help Your Fire Department Stand Out

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.

the backside of a fireman

Design Tips for Your Custom Firefighter Patch

Firefighters play an important role by helping to control fire outbreaks and rescuing people trapped in house fire accidents. The impact of their jobs is mostly felt in densely populated areas. Statistics show that in 2018, 67% of professional firefighters worked in areas with a population of 25,000 or more. Needless to say, firefighters are important parts of keeping our day-to-day lives safe.

 

Fire departments employ embroidered patches to give themselves a unique identity. Patches have symbols and text inscriptions that help firefighters express their commitment to their department’s core objective while also making it simple for individuals in the communities they serve to recognize them. The symbolic nature of fire dept patches emphasizes the need for an excellent design. Here are some design tips for creating an excellent firefighter patch.

 

Make It Bold

 

Strong designs and bold writing are recommended for easy visibility. Traditional needlework procedures make it difficult to recreate delicate, tiny, and small writing. While developing fire dept patches, you should use thick and easily visible text. Thick and visible text makes fire dept patches more appealing, legible, and recognizable.

 

Simplicity Is Essential

 

When creating designs, most people prefer simplicity and avoid complexity. When it comes to patches, the same rule applies, and you should keep to a minimal design. Consider the most well-known patches, such as law-enforcement department patches, and you’ll see how straightforward they are. People easily recognize an organization’s patch when it has a straightforward and simple design.

 

Pay Attention to Border Colors

 

When creating fire dept patches, the border should not be disregarded. Remember that border-color might increase or decrease backdrop depth, which affects visibility. Border colors compliment the background and grab the most attention since they provide depth to it. Test out different colors in your borders to find which one causes your design to pop the most.

 

Contrast Matters

 

Humans are more predisposed to respond to contrast than to flatness. With the correct contrast, an emblem will be imprinted on the minds of anybody who sees it. A good illustration of this design principle is black and white patches, which have stood the test of time because they are easy to remember. This does not imply that you must adhere to a black and white scheme, but choosing a bold color scheme with adequate contrast can assist you in finding the perfect balance.

 

Consulting and exchanging ideas with a design company helps immensely in designing an excellent patch for your fire department. Always get a second opinion on your design, and don’t be afraid to make big changes. If you need design ideas and professional guidance for your custom fire dept patches, contact us today!

 

lapel pin

4 Ways to Show Support for Your Department

Showing support for your department is essential to the success of any organization. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be productive and committed. Whether it be a simple compliment or a lapel pin, there are many ways to show your team you support them. Here are four ways you can show your support for your department.

1. Wear a Lapel Pin

One of the simplest and most effective ways to show your support for your department is to wear a lapel pin. Whether it’s a company logo or the department name, wearing a pin shows you’re proud to be part of the team. By definition, a lapel pin is a tiny pin worn on clothing to demonstrate one’s connection with an organization or cause. Not only are they visually attractive, but they can also be used as a form of identification.

2. Give a Compliment

A compliment can go a long way in showing your support for your department. By taking the time to recognize the good work that others are doing, you can show that you are behind the team and invested in its success. Compliments also help to build morale and foster a positive working environment. When people feel appreciated, they are more likely to be motivated and productive. When you see a colleague going above and beyond, take a moment to let them know that you appreciate their hard work. A little bit of praise can go a long way in showing your support for your department.

3. Get Involved in Department Activities

Another great way to show your support for your department is to get involved in department activities. This can involve anything from attending department meetings to participating in team-building exercises. By getting involved, you show that you care about the department’s success and are willing to do what it takes to help out. Getting involved also shows that you are a team player and are willing to work with others.

4. Offer to Help

One of the best ways to show your support for your department is to simply offer to help. Whether it’s taking on an extra project or lending a helping hand, offering to help shows that you are willing to go above and beyond for the team. When you offer to help, you show that you are invested in the department’s success and are willing to do what it takes to contribute.

Thanking your colleagues for their hard work is a great way to show your support for the department. A little bit of gratitude can go a long way in showing that you appreciate others’ work. To learn more about showing your support for your department through pins, patches, and badges, contact Emblem Authority today. We would be happy to help you find the best way to show your support through your uniform.

decals

The Branding and History of Police K-9 Units

As early as 1888, dogs have been being trained to help in police investigations. The role that a well-trained K-9 dog plays in an investigation can ultimately make or break a case. After years of careful training and program development, we can now see the effect of K-9 units all over. K-9 decals can be seen on several police vehicles, and entire divisions are devoted to the training and handling of these dogs. In this blog post, we’ll examine the growth and branding of the K-9 units of the police force.

The Mighty K-9

The journey of the official K-9 division stems all the way back to 19th century England, where dogs were used to try and track down Jack the Ripper. From there, german shepherds and other breeds of working and hound dogs were frequently introduced into drug busts and missing persons cases. While these dogs may not have any weapons, they are still provided with a swearing-in ceremony and honorable police badges.

K-9 Outfitting

Even though the first instance of police apparel came about in 1829, it took up until the 1940s for dogs to get their own garb. Today, several pieces of equipment are worn by police dogs, including a vest with identifying patches, bulletproof vests, and even cameras in some instances. Quick identification is crucial when handling a police dog. Without visible indicators, civilians may assume a K-9 worker isn’t on duty and pet it. This kind of interference can jeopardize an investigation, so most K-9 dogs are outfitted with obvious law enforcement patches and velcro police patches.

K-9 Vehicle Modifications

Whenever you read one of the “K-9 police vehicle” decals on a police car, they are not simply put on regular police cars with dogs in them. K-9 police cars need to be outfitted with crates and ample air conditioning in the back of the vehicle to keep the dog safe, comfortable, and fit to work. K-9 cars have special storage areas for everything the dog may need, and K-9 officers sometimes even have specialty decals on their personal cars indicating the dog on board.

Without a doubt, K-9 units are a huge part of any local police department. In order to keep these dogs safe and doing their very best in the line of duty, officers outfit everything in the K-9 sphere with certain decals and badges. K-9 units also draw a lot of positive attention to local law enforcement, with exciting demonstrations often being held for the public. If you are looking into expanding your K-9 unit, or simply want to give your existing unit a bit of branding, give us a call today!

5 Interesting Facts About Police Car Decals

You may have never paid much attention to the police decals on police vehicles. Yet, each one of them has a meaning or purpose. According to NLEOMF.org, in the U.S. right now, we have the highest number of sworn law enforcement officers at 800,000. With the rising number of law enforcement on the road, you may want to have a bit of an understanding of the various decals.

#1 – Police Decals Have a Purpose

The purpose of police car decals and graphics is really not to make the car look cool and interesting. Instead, the graphics have an incredibly important safety role for the vehicles’ officers and the general public. They make the car easy to identify, so the public knows where to go for help. They also make the vehicle more visible, especially at night or in poor conditions.

#2 – Police Decals Display Information

Police decals display important information on the vehicle. For example, they show vehicle identification numbers, emergency phone numbers, and other critical information. This information is typically on the hood of the vehicle.

#3 – Ghost Graphics

Stealth or ghost graphics are police decals that have low visibility. They are designed to blend in with the car’s paint, so they cannot be easily seen. They are reflective for safety reasons and become visible in low light. These types of police decals allow police officers to be marked while providing some amount of stealth.

#4 – Non-Police Officers are Not Allowed to Have Police Decals

This may seem obvious to some but not as obvious to others. If you are not a law enforcement officer, you cannot have police decals on your car.

#5 – They Replace License Plates…Sort Of

Police officers do not need a license plate on their cars like the rest of us. However, the police decals on the car do have a number on them. It identifies the police car. It is like a license plate, except stickers on the car’s trunk, hood, or sides.

One of the essential things to know about police decals is, that you are not allowed to have them in your car as a typical citizen. It is illegal to impersonate a police officer, which you would be doing. Review these interesting tips and ensure you follow the law by not putting these decals on your car. Contact us today to find some police decals for your forces.