Sheriff Badges
Design Custom Sheriff and Deputy Badges
Use our online badge designer to create professional sheriff and deputy badges for your department.
View Sheriff Badges
Updated: December 21, 2025
12 min read
Badge Encyclopedia
Quick Answer
Sheriff badges are official credentials worn by elected sheriffs and their deputies in county-level law enforcement across the United States. Unlike municipal police badges, sheriff badges represent county-wide jurisdiction and often feature distinctive star shapes, particularly the iconic six-pointed star, along with state seals, county names, and rank designations. The sheriff badge tradition dates back to the American frontier era and continues to symbolize the unique constitutional authority of the county sheriff as an elected law enforcement official.
ANATOMY OF A SHERIFF BADGE
Understanding the Key Components and Design Elements
★
STATE SEAL
Official state emblem or county symbol at center
★
STAR SHAPE
5, 6, or 7-point traditional sheriff symbol
★
RANK TITLE
Sheriff, Deputy, Sergeant designation
★
BADGE NUMBER
Unique officer identifier
★
COUNTY NAME
Geographic jurisdiction identifier
★
METAL FINISH
Gold, silver, or two-tone indicates rank
History of Sheriff Badges in America
The sheriff badge holds a unique place in American law enforcement history, with roots extending back to medieval England. The word sheriff derives from shire-reeve, an appointed official responsible for maintaining order within a shire or county. When English colonists settled in America, they brought this tradition of county-based law enforcement with them.
The iconic star-shaped sheriff badge became prominent during the American frontier era of the mid-1800s. Unlike the shield-shaped badges favored by urban police departments in the East, Western sheriffs adopted the star as their symbol of authority. This distinction helped citizens quickly identify county law enforcement versus municipal officers.
Historical Fact
The six-pointed star became particularly associated with Texas Rangers and Western sheriffs in the 1850s. Legend holds that the star shape represented the Star of David or Star of Texas, though historians note it was more likely chosen for its distinctive appearance and ease of manufacture from flat metal stock.
The position of county sheriff is constitutionally protected in 48 states, making it one of the few law enforcement positions in America that requires election by citizens. This elected status is often reflected in badge design, with sheriff badges typically featuring more elaborate designs than deputy badges to denote the holders constitutional authority.
Today, there are over 3,000 sheriffs offices operating across the United States, each with their own badge traditions and designs. While modern badges utilize advanced manufacturing techniques, many departments deliberately maintain traditional design elements that connect them to their frontier heritage. Browse our complete collection of custom sheriff badges to see how these traditions continue in modern badge design.
Types of Sheriff Badge Shapes
Sheriff badges come in several distinctive shapes, each with its own historical significance and regional prevalence. Understanding these shapes helps identify the type of agency and often the geographic region where a badge originated. The star shape remains the most iconic, but shield and circular designs are also common in certain areas.
| Badge Shape | Description | Common Regions | Historical Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Point Star | Classic Western star with rounded or pointed tips | Western states, particularly California | Gold Rush era (1850s) |
| 6-Point Star | Star of David shape, most iconic sheriff design | Texas, Midwest, Southwest | Texas Rangers (1840s) |
| 7-Point Star | Distinctive California-style badge | California, Oregon, Nevada | California Gold Rush |
| Shield Shape | Eagle-topped shield with text panels | Eastern states, urban counties | English heraldry tradition |
| Circle Star | Star enclosed within circular border | Southern states, Florida | Post-Civil War era |
The six-point star remains the most universally recognized sheriff badge shape. Its symmetrical design provides ample space for text panels, state seals, and rank designations while maintaining the distinctive silhouette that immediately identifies the wearer as county law enforcement.
Key Insight
The number of points on a star badge often correlates with geographic region rather than rank. Western states traditionally favor five, six, or seven-point stars, while Eastern counties more commonly use shield shapes that reflect their English colonial heritage.
Star badges enclosed in a circular border, sometimes called ball-tip or circle star badges, represent a hybrid design that combines frontier aesthetics with practical text placement. This style is particularly popular in Southern states where departments wanted traditional star symbolism with more space for county names and department identifiers. Explore our complete badge catalog to see all available star and shield designs for sheriff departments.
Sheriff Department Rank Structure
Sheriffs offices operate with a defined rank structure similar to other law enforcement agencies, though the specific titles and hierarchy can vary significantly between counties. Badge design typically reflects these ranks through differences in metal finish, design complexity, and explicit rank text. Understanding this structure helps explain why sheriff badges vary in appearance within the same department.
The Sheriff holds the highest rank as the elected chief law enforcement officer of the county. Sheriff badges are typically the most elaborate, often featuring gold finish, unique design elements, and the explicit SHERIFF designation. In many departments, the sheriffs badge is a one-of-a-kind design that visually distinguishes it from all subordinate ranks.
Below the sheriff, typical ranks include Undersheriff (chief deputy), Chief Deputy, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal, and Deputy Sheriff. Each rank may have corresponding badge modifications: gold finish for command staff, silver or two-tone for line officers, and specific rank panels or bars on the badge face. Design your departments deputy sheriff badges with our online customization tool.
By the Numbers
- 3,081 sheriffs offices operate in the United States
- 365,000+ full-time sworn personnel serve in sheriffs departments
- 48 states have constitutionally elected sheriffs
- 6-8 ranks are typical in medium-sized sheriffs offices
Specialized units within sheriffs departments often have distinctive badge variations. K-9 handlers, detectives, SWAT team members, and court security deputies may wear badges with unit designations or modified designs. These specialty badges maintain the departments overall design language while indicating the officers specific assignment. Many departments also pair their badges with matching custom sheriff patches for a unified professional appearance.
SHERIFF BADGE SHAPES BY REGION
Traditional Design Styles Across America
★
5-Point Star
Western States – California Heritage
✦
6-Point Star
Texas and Midwest – Most Iconic Style
✶
7-Point Star
California Style – LA County Classic
▲
Shield Badge
Eastern Counties – English Heritage
WEST
5 and 7-Point Stars – CA, OR, WA, NV
SOUTHWEST
6-Point Stars – TX, AZ, NM, OK
MIDWEST
Mixed Styles – Stars and Shields
EAST
Shield Badges – NY, PA, NJ, MA
Design Elements and Symbolism
Every element on a sheriff badge carries meaning, from the overall shape to the smallest decorative detail. Understanding these design elements provides insight into law enforcement traditions and helps departments create badges that properly represent their authority and heritage. Modern badge design balances traditional symbolism with practical identification needs.
Central Emblems
The center of a sheriff badge typically features a state seal or county emblem. State seals provide instant recognition of the badges jurisdiction and connect the county sheriff to state-level authority. Some departments opt for custom emblems incorporating local landmarks, county seals, or symbolic imagery specific to their regions history. Our state-specific badge collection features designs with authentic state seals for all 50 states.
Text Panels and Ribbons
Sheriff badges incorporate multiple text areas, often called panels or ribbons, to display essential information. Common text elements include the county name, SHERIFF or rank designation, department name, and badge number. The arrangement of these text areas follows established conventions, with county names typically appearing at the top and badge numbers at the bottom.
Pro Tip
When designing sheriff badges, maintain consistent font sizes across text panels for professional appearance. The county or department name should be the most prominent text, followed by rank designation, with badge numbers in a smaller but clearly legible size.
Decorative Elements
Traditional sheriff badges feature various decorative elements that add visual interest and historical authenticity. American flags flanking the central emblem represent patriotic duty. Eagle tops on shield badges symbolize authority and vigilance. Laurel wreaths or reef borders around the badge edge provide classical styling that connects to ancient symbols of honor.
Color elements through enamel fills, including blue, red, black, or white, add visual distinction and often carry specific meaning. Blue typically represents justice and vigilance, red symbolizes valor, and black represents mourning or memorial badges. These colored accents appear on text panels, flag representations, and decorative borders throughout the badge design. Similar design principles apply to police officer badges and corrections officer badges, though each has distinct traditional elements.
Badge Materials and Construction
Professional sheriff badges are manufactured from durable metals designed to withstand daily wear while maintaining their appearance over years of service. Material selection affects badge weight, durability, detail reproduction, and cost. Understanding these materials helps procurement officers make informed decisions when selecting badges for their departments.
| Material | Durability | Weight | Detail Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass | Excellent | Medium-Heavy | Excellent | Duty badges, formal wear |
| Zinc Alloy | Very Good | Medium | Very Good | Standard duty use |
| Nickel Silver | Excellent | Heavy | Outstanding | Presentation, collector |
| Die-Struck Steel | Outstanding | Heavy | Excellent | Long-term duty wear |
Brass remains the industry standard for professional law enforcement badges due to its excellent balance of durability, workability, and appearance. Brass accepts plating well, allowing manufacturers to apply gold, silver, or nickel finishes that resist tarnishing and wear. High-quality brass badges maintain their appearance through years of daily duty use.
Metal finishes distinguish ranks and add visual appeal. Gold plating typically indicates command staff (sheriff, undersheriff, chief deputy), while silver or nickel finishes are common for deputies and line officers. Two-tone combinations using both gold and silver create visual contrast that highlights text panels and design elements.
Modern badge manufacturing uses die-striking or die-casting processes to create detailed dimensional designs. Die-struck badges are pressed from metal sheets, creating raised surfaces with exceptional detail. Die-cast badges are formed by pouring molten metal into molds, allowing for more complex three-dimensional shapes. Both methods produce professional-quality badges suitable for law enforcement use. For proper badge display and protection, pair your sheriff badge with a quality leather badge holder or shadow box display case.
Regional Variations by State
Sheriff badge designs vary significantly across states, reflecting regional history, cultural influences, and local traditions. While departments have flexibility in their badge designs, certain styles have become characteristic of specific regions. Understanding these regional variations provides context for badge selection and appreciation of law enforcement heritage.
Western States
California sheriff badges are particularly distinctive, with many departments using the seven-point star made famous by Los Angeles County. This design dates to the Gold Rush era and has become synonymous with California law enforcement. Texas sheriffs predominantly use the six-point star, often called the Texas Star, which connects to the states Ranger tradition and Lone Star heritage. These traditions also influence state trooper badge designs within these regions.
Eastern States
Eastern counties, particularly in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, favor shield-shaped badges that reflect their English colonial heritage. These badges typically feature eagle tops, ornate borders, and multiple text panels arranged in a traditional heraldic pattern. The shield shape provides substantial surface area for detailed designs and departmental information. This tradition also influences federal agency badge designs, which often feature similar shield configurations.
Badge Design Best Practices:
- + Research your countys badge history
- + Include state seal or county emblem
- + Maintain clear rank differentiation
- + Use durable professional materials
Common Design Mistakes:
- – Overcrowding with excessive text
- – Inconsistent finish across ranks
- – Ignoring regional traditions
- – Choosing style over durability
Southern States
Southern sheriff departments often blend Western and Eastern influences. Florida and Georgia sheriffs frequently use star-within-circle designs that combine the frontier star shape with circular borders common in Eastern badges. Louisiana badges sometimes incorporate French colonial influences alongside American law enforcement traditions. Many Southern sheriffs offices also use junior deputy sticker badges for community outreach and youth programs. For specific state requirements and traditions, explore our complete state-by-state sheriff badge guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a sheriff badge and a police badge?
Sheriff badges represent county-level jurisdiction under an elected official, while police badges represent municipal (city) jurisdiction under appointed leadership. Sheriff badges traditionally feature star shapes reflecting frontier heritage, whereas police badges commonly use shield shapes from English tradition. Sheriffs have constitutional authority in most states, making their badges symbols of both law enforcement power and democratic accountability.
Why do sheriff badges have stars while police badges have shields?
The star shape became associated with Western frontier sheriffs in the mid-1800s, likely because stars were easier to cut from flat metal and created a distinctive appearance different from military insignia. Shield shapes in Eastern cities reflected English heraldic traditions brought by colonial settlers. Over time, these regional differences became established conventions that persist today, though many modern departments choose styles regardless of geographic tradition.
How many points should a sheriff badge have?
There is no universal standard for point count on sheriff badges. Five-point stars are common in Western states, six-point stars are traditional in Texas and the Midwest, and seven-point stars are iconic in California. The number of points typically reflects regional tradition rather than rank or authority. Departments should research their areas historical preferences when selecting badge designs.
What does a gold sheriff badge mean versus a silver one?
Gold-finished badges typically indicate command staff positions such as sheriff, undersheriff, or chief deputy. Silver or nickel finishes usually designate deputies and line officers. This convention helps citizens quickly identify supervisory personnel. However, practices vary by department. Some agencies use all-gold badges for everyone, while others employ two-tone designs for all ranks.
Are replica or costume sheriff badges legal to own?
Laws regarding badge ownership vary by state. Most jurisdictions allow ownership of clearly marked replicas, costume badges, or collector items. However, possessing a badge that replicates an actual departments design with intent to impersonate law enforcement is illegal everywhere. For community outreach programs, many departments use junior deputy sticker badges which are clearly identified as promotional items. Always check local laws before purchasing any law enforcement-style items.
Key Takeaways: Sheriff Badges
- Sheriff badges represent county-level authority under an elected official, distinguishing them from municipal police badges.
- Star shapes dominate Western sheriff badges while shield shapes are more common in Eastern states, reflecting frontier versus colonial heritage.
- Six-point stars are the most iconic sheriff badge shape, particularly associated with Texas and Midwest law enforcement traditions.
- Badge design elements carry symbolic meaning, from state seals representing jurisdiction to metal finishes indicating rank level.
- Professional badges use brass or zinc alloy with gold, silver, or nickel plating for durability and appearance over years of service.
- Regional variations reflect local history. Departments should research their areas traditions when selecting badge designs.
- Over 3,000 sheriffs offices operate across the United States, each with unique badge traditions and design requirements.
- Rank differentiation through badge design helps citizens identify command staff versus line officers through finish, complexity, and explicit rank text. Browse sheriff badge options to see rank variations.
Share This Guide
Found this article helpful? Share it with colleagues in county law enforcement.
Conclusion
Sheriff badges represent a unique intersection of American law enforcement history, regional tradition, and constitutional authority. From the iconic six-point Texas star to the seven-point California design, these badges carry the weight of frontier heritage while serving modern law enforcement needs. Understanding the history, symbolism, and design elements of sheriff badges provides valuable context for departments maintaining their traditions and for citizens appreciating the credentials worn by their countys elected law enforcement leader.
Whether you are a sheriffs office administrator planning a badge redesign, a procurement officer evaluating materials, or simply interested in law enforcement traditions, the rich history behind sheriff badges offers insights into American county government and the evolution of public safety credentials over nearly two centuries of service. Explore our complete selection of custom sheriff badges and sheriff department patches to find designs that honor your countys traditions.