History & Symbolism of the POLICE BADGE
Kaysie Collens
Section Name
2
The History and Symbolism Behind the
Police Badge
Kaysie Collens Communications Inquiry April 2022
Section Name
4
Section Name
5
The Origins
The Origins The police badge, one of the most notable representations of the police force in modern American society, has origins that can be dated back to medieval times. Knights would wear a coat of arms to show their allegiance and loyalty to their militia, and even that may not be the earliest use of the badge. However, even with the different contexts the badge has presented itself in throughout history, it has stayed somewhat consistant with two key components:
Symbolism
&
Identification
6
The Origins
In fact a badge’s actual definition can be boiled down to anything that is prominantly worn with to purpose to identify a purpose (ie. a nametag, emblem, or pin). The badge we know today developed as a way to identify authority within social servants developing western society. So once the police force was established, it was only logical that a police officer would utlize a badge for signifying rank. It is believed that the first police badge created was from London, England around the 1840’s. As for a badges symbolism, it is supposed to represent the responsibility and trust of an officer to adhere to ethics and serve their community. However, many other negative connatations are tied to the badge, even at the beggining of the police force in the United States. The early policemen , (established around the 1870’s) were not fond of wearing badges as earlier privately-funded night-watch officers had made a reputation of, well, being complete assholes, and they did not want to be repesented in such a negative light by a part of their uniform, since the badge is such a known symbol of police as a whole, it holds their history as well. When it comes to the establishment of police in north, the badge represented a person attempted to protect property and safegaurd people transporting goods. However, in the south...
7
Police Were cre intention of Section Name
8
SLAV
eated with the f preserving Section Name
VERY 9
The Origins
The south had formal Slave Patrols established during the 1700’s, whose jobs were to police enslaved people, wether that be to capture esacpees or to punish anyone who was defiant. Another name for these sadistic, dehumanizing jobs was slave catcher. Once official police forces formed in the south, during the 1800’s, sheriff’s were basically replicating the job’s of the slave patrol, as they supported and enforced the segregation and disenfranchisment of freed enslaved people, and since the creation of the police force, the way policing was done depended on who asked, and specifically, the more money you have the more resources that you may recieve. All of this to say, that the badge, being one of the most known indexical representations of police, holds this history as well. Although some may see it as a symbol of honor and pride, the dark history surrounding it, and the way marginalized groups may see the badge today, must be recognized. The badge may be a symbol of trust and safety to some, but to others, especially those of African American decent, it is a symbol of opression.
10
Badge Design
Badge Design Although the badge is such a strong idexical representation of the police, its different shapes and forms can very from department to department. Shapes range from sheild to star to circles and many shapes even have their own symbolism and alleged origin stories tied to their existance. Different regions of the United States also have prefrences for certain designs, with some shapes popping up more in different locations across the country. There are even shapes that are so rare they only present themselves at one or two departments in the whole country. Different components on the badge also change its symbolic nature, like gold and silver signifying different rankings within the police department (gold usually being for higher ranking officials of course). Small decorative components will often adorn the badge as well, each with their respective meaning and symoblism for display. 11
Badge Design
Shapes Five Point One of the most iconic badge shapes, especially in western films, but suprisingly underused. This shape is popular in the Midwest, especially Chicago, but it is pretty sparce everywhere else
Six Point The six point star is more common on the west coast, but it is still pretty rare compared to other shapes. The scarcity of its usage is most likely do to its religious connotations, as the six pointed star is also the star of david in Judaism.
12
s ta r s
Seven Point Two Points Down: This star shape is found in only a handful of departments in the United States. The seven point star, or heptigram is used in christianity to symbolize the seven days of creation.
Seven Point Two Points Up: This is almost the most popular badge shape in the western United States, coming in second place to the shield. Ironically enough, this star is also a heptigram, but it is a symbol used in modern magic to represent the faery person.
Upside Down This is not a police badge that exists, and I bet you can guess why. That’s right. This shape is a pentagram, deemed demonic by the christian fiath, as the star resembles the devil. However, in wicca it is reprensative of faith. 13
Badge Design
Shapes Sheild The most popular of all the shapes used in a police badge. The sheild is said to symbolize stability, protection, masculinity, toughness, tradition, among many other ideas. The sheild shape dates back to the coat of arms.
Circular Many Circular police badges have another of the aove shapes within them (wether this be a sheilf or a star). The Circualr badges are a bit more simplistic and modern, and they are used more in the 21st century.
14
t h e ot h e r o n e s
Badge Design
Most badges are made up of two or
more of these shapes, whether it be to add extra glam or extra symbolism. Every police department tries to make their badge stand out, while conforming to the basics of the badge design. There is not much breaking out from the standard shapes, though. All except a rectangle here and there. All of these shapes may have varied froms and small details for the same resasons.
15
Badge Design
CAN YOU SPOT THE DIFFERENCE? 16
Badge Design
17
Badge Design
What makes theses badges so different? Visually, they not appear that different. The badge designs are quite similar, even down to the shapes. Similar imagery is used, such as the star and even the olive branch, however they come from a different period of time. These badges were used by Slave Patrols and Plantation Officers. This realization called into question the very nature of the police force we have today, however it is less of a surprise when learning the origins of America’s police force. With all of these connections between the poice force and slave enforcement officers of the past, I couldnt help but to ask myself if we should consider:
REDESIGNING THE BADGE OR REDESIGNING THE POLICE? 18
badge Design
19
Badge Design
20
Badge Design
Although badges have repeated many forms throughout history, it cannot be ignored that many modern police badges have a shocking resemblence to those that were used by Runway Slave Patrols. This exerpt from an article titled The History of American Police Oppression sums up the history and purpose of the runaway slave patrol (although the name is rather self explainatory): In the South, slave patrols were given wide latitude to do their jobs. Unlike in the North, where the first policemen were lower class and the job was unwanted. Even the rich did a stint on slave patrol, a term of service was mandatory in some locations. Slaveowners and their families were often greatly outnumbered by slaves and there was always the fear of revolt. In 1831, Nat Turner led a slave revolt which saw at least 51 white people killed. While it was mostly quashed within a few days, Turner himself remained in hiding for two months leaving plantation owners fearful he might show up anywhere and inspire their slaves to revolt. For over a century and a half in the South, there was a lingering fear of what slaves could/would do if given the chance. Slave patrols had the mandate to keep revolt from happening. Their badges look remarkably similar to those in use by the police today.
21
Section Name
“ Nobody wants zealotry in a police force, you know? You want to know that the guy whose got the badge is confident enought to judge a level of benign corruption. Like if a man steals some food to feed his starving children.“ Russel Crowe
22
Badge Design
Symbolism To understand the symbolism hidden in the badge, first you must understand exactly what a symbol is. A symbol is an abstracted sign. The most common symbol is a word, which covers this page, as a they hold a meaning that has to be learned. Badges utilize symbolism quite often, and it is hard to find one that is not adorned with an excess of imagery. Much like the shapes used for the creation of the badge, many departments pick from a pool of the same symbolic images, but make the designs slightly different as a way to dintinguish between departments. I believe this may be a way to may the officer’s feel like part of a group or a community. Common symbols used in the badge include: olive branches, eagles wings, the United States flag, and stars, among others.
23
Badge Design
EAGLE
OLIVE BRANCH
24
SUN BEAM
SCROLL
Symbolism of Badge Decorative Elements
Olive Branch The olive branch is a symbol that goes back to ancient greence. Often times the olive branch is used to represent peace, especailly when picured inside of a doves mouth. With what the olive branch represents, it makes sense that police would want something like this on their badge. It would aid in public opinion, and it accompanies well with the mostly outdated name for police officers, peace officers. The olive branch is also used to symbolize friendship betwen two people, which makes less sense but could be used in a ope to symbolize a bond between the public and officers.
Eagle Wings It is no surprise that references to an eagle, or more specifically, eagle wings would show up on a United States police badge. After all, the eagle has represents the U.S. and the propogated freedom since 1782. Freedom is not the only thing that the eagle is intended to represent, but it also has symbolized strength for a very long time, along with wisdom and bravery. Another meaning of the eagle, seen through the eyes of another culture (thus a different connotation), contrasts the very mascuine view the united sates has placed upon it. The eagle is said to represent the delicate balance between man and women in some cultures.
Sun Rays The symbol of sunrays can be seen on some police badges (like the Missouri police badge seen in the diagram previously), but it is definitly more rare than some of the other symbols described previously. The symbol of a sunray is an indexical representation of the sun, so it’s no surprise that they would be symbolic of warmth and happiness. It is most likely that they have been olaced on the police badge for the connection to confidence and and energy, though, if they are not simply userd as an intuitive decorative element like a banner would.
Star The star has been discussed previously as the shape of the badge, however when it is used as a decorative motif, the symbolism behind the srat can shift slightly. The has many meanings across many different cultures icluding humanity, divinity, hope,faith. guidance, god, excellence, motivation, magic, fame, and life. There are many spiritual connections to the star, but I do not think that the star on the badge in meant to represent anything listed above. The star on the police badge most likely has a simpler meaning, which is converyin to the public that they have upstanding merit and are doing well.
Section Name
Covering Badge Numbers . . .
35
Section Name
Behind the Badge
36
Section Name
37