Georgia Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to POST certification, badge standards, and law enforcement credentials in the Peach State
Georgia law enforcement badges are governed by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) certification requirements. All sworn officers must be POST-certified. Georgia follows traditional Southern badge patterns—municipal police typically use shields while the 159 county sheriff’s offices primarily use star designs. Security badges are regulated by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
Georgia Law Enforcement Overview
Georgia has approximately 28,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving across more than 600 agencies. The state has 159 counties—second only to Texas—meaning 159 sheriff’s offices plus hundreds of municipal departments, creating one of the most diverse law enforcement landscapes in the Southeast.
The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) establishes certification standards for all peace officers. POST certification is mandatory for carrying law enforcement credentials.
- ~28,000 sworn law enforcement officers
- 159 county sheriff’s offices (2nd most in U.S.)
- ~500 municipal police departments
- Georgia State Patrol: ~800+ troopers
- 8th most populous state (11+ million residents)
POST Certification & Badge Authority
Certification Requirements
- Complete POST-approved Basic Law Enforcement Training (minimum 408 hours)
- Pass state certification examination
- Be employed by a Georgia law enforcement agency
- Meet background, medical, and psychological requirements
- Complete annual in-service training requirements
Impersonation Laws
O.C.G.A. § 16-10-23 prohibits impersonating a public officer. Using a fake badge is a misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties if used to commit other crimes.
Common Badge Styles in Georgia
Municipal Police
Georgia police departments typically use shield designs:
- Atlanta PD uses distinctive shield with city seal
- Eagle-top shields common throughout state
- Many incorporate Georgia state elements
Sheriff’s Offices
Georgia’s 159 sheriff’s offices predominantly use star badges:
- 5-point and 6-point stars common
- County seal displayed in center
- Strong Southern sheriff tradition
Major Georgia Departments
| Agency | Type | Sworn Officers | Badge Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Police | Municipal | ~2,000 | Shield |
| Fulton County Sheriff | Sheriff | ~700 | Star |
| Georgia State Patrol | State | ~800 | State badge |
| Cobb County Police | County | ~700 | Shield |
Georgia’s hot, humid climate demands durable badge construction. Specify hard enamel and quality plating to resist humidity and sweat exposure. UV-stable colors are important for badges exposed to intense Southern sun.
Security Guard Badge Regulations
Georgia regulates security guard badges through the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
- Must not resemble law enforcement badges
- Must display “Security” prominently
- Cannot use “Police” or “Officer” alone
- Security guards must be registered with the state
- Georgia has ~28,000 sworn officers across 600+ agencies
- POST certification required for all peace officers
- 159 counties means 159 sheriff’s offices—2nd most in U.S.
- Police use shields; sheriffs use stars (traditional pattern)
- Humid climate requires durable badge construction
The Bottom Line
Georgia’s law enforcement community reflects strong Southern traditions with clear distinctions between municipal police and county sheriffs. With 159 counties, badge variety is significant but united by common POST standards.
For more information, see our procurement guide or use our badge design tool.