How many badges do I need as a police officer?

As a police officer you know the badge is the most iconic part of your uniform. You understand the badge’s importance in communicating your duty, honor, and service to the community. Yet, the question that might be on your mind is, "How many badges should I own to be well-prepared for my daily duties and special occasions?" In this article, we'll explore the ideal number of badges you should have in your collection, acknowledging your profound understanding of the badge's significance.

Every department starts with one shirt badge for day-to-day use and the total number of badges issued to you starts with your department policies. There are everyday considerations like weather, ceremonial occasions, and off-duty days that may factor into the “right” number or different types of badges for you. Here is some of the feedback we have gotten over the years.

You are issued a shirt badge for your day-to-day use. This is your workhorse badge, the one that you will wear every day on the job on your outermost garment. This badge will be the one that will get the most use and will endure the most wear and tear.

Depending on your department, you may wear it daily or you may keep it on standby for dress uniform occasions. At some point in your career, you will need a hat badge. In our experience, the hat badge is the badge most often ordered with “rush” status, or not ordered until absolutely necessary.

The coat/second shirt badge serves a valuable role on those cold or rainy days when you need to wear your badge on the outermost garment. Instead of constantly switching your primary shirt badge between indoor and outdoor settings, this second badge remains on your outer coat, saving you time and effort.

The wallet badge, also known as the "flat badge," is essential for off-duty identification or situations where you need to prove your credentials while not in uniform. Another important consideration for a wallet badge is if you are on duty but dressed in plain clothes.

This is your extra shirt badge! Think about keeping one badge that is solely for your Class A dress uniform. This badge will be shiny and pristine for your formal and ceremonial events. You can certainly wear your day-to-day badge for formal occasions, but having a badge without the marks of daily use will compliment your dress uniform.

As an officer who understands the importance of your badge, we hope this information helps you with some options on the right number of badges. The core collection of five badges, including the shirt, hat, wallet, coat/second shirt, and ceremonial badges, provides you with the versatility and preparedness needed to face the challenges of your profession. However, your specific needs may vary, and you may choose to acquire additional badges for specialized roles or personal preferences.

We encourage you to share your insights and experiences regarding badge ownership. Your feedback can provide valuable guidance on this important aspect of your job, helping you optimize the equipment you use to protect and serve your community.

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