Illinois Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to ILETSB certification, Chicago PD traditions, and badge standards in the Prairie State
Illinois law enforcement badges are governed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) certification requirements. Notably, Chicago PD uses a 6-point star badge—unusual for a municipal police department and an exception to the typical “police use shields, sheriffs use stars” pattern. Security guard badges are regulated by IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation) and must clearly differ from law enforcement credentials.
Illinois Law Enforcement Overview
Illinois has approximately 40,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving across more than 900 agencies. The Chicago Police Department alone employs over 12,000 officers, making it the second-largest municipal police force in the United States after the NYPD.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) establishes certification standards for peace officers. All sworn officers must meet ILETSB requirements to carry law enforcement credentials.
- ~40,000 sworn law enforcement officers
- 102 county sheriff’s offices
- ~900 police departments
- Chicago PD: 12,000+ officers (2nd largest in U.S.)
- 6th most populous state (12+ million residents)
ILETSB Certification & Badge Authority
ILETSB sets standards for officer training and certification throughout Illinois.
Certification Requirements
- Complete ILETSB-approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy (minimum 560 hours)
- Pass state certification examination
- Be employed by an Illinois law enforcement agency
- Meet background, medical, and psychological requirements
- Complete mandatory in-service training
Impersonation Laws
Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/17-2) prohibits impersonating a peace officer. Using a fake badge is a Class 4 felony, punishable by 1-3 years imprisonment.
The Chicago Star Badge Tradition
Chicago PD is one of few major municipal police departments in America that uses a star badge rather than a shield. This breaks the typical pattern where shields are for police and stars are for sheriffs.
The 6-Point Star
Chicago PD uses a distinctive 6-point star badge. The six points are said to represent:
- Loyalty
- Duty
- Respect
- Trust
- Integrity
- Honor
This star design has become iconic in American policing, featured in countless films and TV shows set in Chicago.
Historical Origins
Chicago PD was established in 1835 and adopted the star badge early in its history. The star’s origins may relate to Western frontier traditions that influenced early Chicago as a gateway city to the American West.
Chicago PD’s star badge makes it an exception to the general rule that “police departments use shields.” This creates occasional confusion for people expecting all city police to carry shield badges. The star tradition has influenced other Illinois departments, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Common Badge Styles in Illinois
Municipal Police
Police departments in Illinois show regional variation:
- Chicago area: Star badges common, influenced by CPD
- Downstate: Mix of shields and stars
- Suburbs: Both traditions represented
Sheriff’s Offices
Illinois sheriff’s offices predominantly use star badges:
- 5-point and 6-point stars both common
- Cook County Sheriff uses distinctive star design
- County seal typically displayed in center
State Police
Illinois State Police uses a distinctive design featuring the state seal and traditional law enforcement elements.
Major Illinois Departments
| Agency | Type | Sworn Officers | Badge Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Police | Municipal | ~12,000 | 6-point star |
| Illinois State Police | State | ~2,000 | State badge |
| Cook County Sheriff | Sheriff | ~5,500 | Star |
Security Guard Badge Regulations
Illinois regulates security guard badges through IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation).
Key Requirements
- Security badges cannot resemble law enforcement badges
- Must display “Security” or “Private Security”
- Cannot use “Police” or “Officer” alone
- PERC card (Permanent Employee Registration Card) required for all security personnel
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why does Chicago PD use a star instead of a shield?
Chicago’s star badge tradition dates to the department’s founding in 1835 and may relate to Western frontier influences on the city during its early years. The 6-point star has become iconic to Chicago’s identity and distinguishes CPD from most other municipal departments that use shield badges.
❓ What’s the penalty for impersonating police in Illinois?
Impersonating a peace officer in Illinois is a Class 4 felony under 720 ILCS 5/17-2, punishable by 1-3 years imprisonment. If the impersonation involves detaining someone or committing another crime, penalties can be enhanced.
- Illinois has ~40,000 sworn officers including the 2nd largest municipal force (Chicago PD)
- ILETSB certification required for all peace officers
- Chicago PD uses 6-point star—unusual for municipal police
- Star traditions influence Chicago-area departments
- Security badges regulated by IDFPR
The Bottom Line
Illinois law enforcement is shaped by Chicago PD’s unique star badge tradition, which has influenced departments throughout the metropolitan area. Understanding this regional distinction is important when designing badges for Illinois agencies.
For more information, see our procurement guide or use our badge design tool.