Police Uniform Patch Placement Guide: Official Standards & Measurements
Updated January 2026 | 10 min read
Proper patch placement is essential for a professional law enforcement appearance. Misaligned or incorrectly positioned patches can undermine authority, violate department regulations, and create an inconsistent look across your team. This guide provides exact measurements and placement standards used by police departments, sheriff offices, and security agencies nationwide.
Whether you are outfitting new recruits, updating uniform standards, or ensuring compliance with regulations, this reference covers everything you need to know about police patch positioning.
0.5″
Standard seam clearance
4-5″
Typical shoulder patch size
1″
Below shoulder seam
CENTER
Always center on sleeve
1. General Placement Principles
Before diving into specific positions, understand the universal principles that govern professional patch placement. These standards ensure consistency across all uniform types and help maintain a sharp, authoritative appearance.
The Four Rules of Patch Placement
1. Symmetry
Patches on opposite sides of the uniform should mirror each other in height and distance from seams. Asymmetry is immediately noticeable and looks unprofessional.
2. Seam Clearance
Maintain minimum 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) clearance from all seams. Patches sewn over seams bunch, distort, and wear unevenly.
3. Center Alignment
Patches should be centered on their designated area (sleeve, pocket, panel). Measure both edges to confirm equal spacing.
4. Parallel Edges
Patch edges should run parallel to seams and uniform edges. Tilted or crooked patches are the most common placement error.
Standard Reference Points
All patch measurements are taken from these consistent reference points:
| Reference Point | Location | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder Seam | Where sleeve meets shoulder | Shoulder patch top edge |
| Sleeve Crease | Center front of sleeve | Horizontal centering |
| Pocket Top Edge | Top stitching line of pocket | Chest patch/nameplate |
| Center Back Seam | Vertical center of back panel | Back panel patches |
| Collar Point | Bottom tip of collar | Collar insignia |
Check Department Regulations First
While this guide covers industry-standard placement, your department may have specific requirements that differ. Always verify with your uniform coordinator or department manual before applying patches to official uniforms.
Visual Guide
Police Uniform Patch Positions
Measurements shown are industry standards. Verify with your department’s specific uniform regulations.
2. Shoulder Patch Placement
The shoulder patch is the most prominent patch on any law enforcement uniform. It displays the department insignia and is typically the first element people notice. Correct placement of your police department patch or sheriff patch is essential for a professional appearance.
Standard Shoulder Patch Position
Exact Measurements:
Vertical position: 1 inch (2.54 cm) below the shoulder seam
Horizontal position: Centered on the sleeve
Clearance: 0.5 inch from all seams
Orientation: Top edge parallel to shoulder seam
Step-by-Step Placement
1. Lay the shirt flat with the sleeve extended
2. Locate the shoulder seam (where sleeve meets shoulder)
3. Measure 1 inch down from the seam and mark with tailor’s chalk
4. Find the center of the sleeve by measuring from front to back seam
5. Position the patch so its top edge is at your mark and it’s centered
6. Pin in place, verify alignment, then sew or iron
Left vs. Right Shoulder
Left Shoulder (Typically)
• Department/agency patch
• Primary identification
• Most common single-patch position
Right Shoulder (When Used)
• American flag (forward-facing)
• State/jurisdiction patch
• Secondary department patch (mirror of left)
Flag Patch Orientation
When worn on the right shoulder, the American flag should be displayed with the union (stars) facing forward—toward the front of the body. This represents the flag flying as if the wearer is moving forward. See our tactical patches guide for more on flag orientation.
Standard Shoulder Patch Sizes
| Patch Shape | Typical Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Shield/Badge Shape | 4″ x 4.5″ | Police departments |
| Round | 4″ – 4.5″ diameter | Sheriff offices, state agencies |
| Star | 4″ – 5″ point to point | Texas-style sheriff |
| Rectangular | 4″ x 5″ | State police, highway patrol |
| Oval | 3.5″ x 4.5″ | Federal agencies, specialized units |
3. Chest & Breast Pocket Patches
The chest area holds several key identification elements including the name plate, badge, and sometimes additional patches. Proper spacing ensures all elements are visible and professional-looking.
Name Plate/Name Tag Position
Standard Name Plate Placement:
Position: Right breast pocket
Vertical: 0.25″ above pocket top edge
Horizontal: Centered on pocket
Typical size: 1″ x 3″ or 0.75″ x 2.5″
Name plates are typically metal or plastic rather than fabric patches, but the placement principles remain the same. Some departments use embroidered name strips sewn directly to the uniform.
Badge Position
Left Breast (Standard)
• Centered on left pocket flap
• Or 0.5″ above pocket if no flap
• Over the heart position
Badge Tab Option
• Some uniforms have a sewn tab
• Badge clips directly to tab
• Eliminates holes in uniform fabric
Additional Chest Patches
Some departments add supplementary patches to the chest area:
| Patch Type | Position | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Rank Insignia | Collar points or above name plate | 0.75″ – 1″ |
| Service Ribbons | Above badge, left breast | Varies by quantity |
| Mourning Band | Horizontal across badge center | 0.5″ – 0.75″ wide |
| Citation Bar | Below badge or on right pocket | 0.375″ x 1.5″ |
Shirts Without Pockets
For uniform shirts without breast pockets, measure from the center button line: badge is typically placed 3-4 inches from center at heart height (approximately 2 inches below the collar point). Name plate goes on the opposite side at the same height.
4. Sleeve Rockers & Unit Patches
Below the main shoulder patch, many departments add rocker patches (curved tabs) and unit identification patches. These secondary patches provide additional information about the officer’s assignment, specialty, or qualifications.
Rocker Patch Placement
Rockers are curved, arc-shaped patches that typically display unit names, divisions, or special assignments (K-9, SWAT, Traffic, etc.).
Standard Rocker Position:
Vertical: 0.5″ below main shoulder patch
Horizontal: Centered below shoulder patch
Curve direction: Matches shoulder patch bottom curve
Typical size: 4″ x 1″ arc
Multiple Rocker Configuration
Some configurations include both top and bottom rockers around the main patch:
Top Rocker
• 0.25″ – 0.5″ above main patch
• Often displays state or city name
• Curves upward (convex)
Bottom Rocker
• 0.5″ below main patch
• Displays unit, division, or specialty
• Curves downward (concave)
Service Stripes (Hash Marks)
Service stripes indicate years of service. Each stripe typically represents 3-5 years depending on department policy.
Service Stripe Placement:
Position: Lower left sleeve, typically 4″ above cuff
Angle: 45-degree angle, pointing toward front
Spacing: 0.25″ between multiple stripes
Typical size: 0.75″ x 3″ per stripe
Rank Chevrons
Rank insignia placement varies by department, but common positions include:
| Rank Display | Common Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeve Chevrons | Both sleeves, centered, 4″ from cuff | Most common for sergeants and below |
| Collar Insignia | Collar points, 1″ from tip | Officers, lieutenants and above |
| Shoulder Boards | On shoulder epaulette | Dress uniforms, command staff |
5. Back Panel Patches
Back patches are primarily used on jackets, raid vests, and tactical gear for identification from behind. These large, high-visibility patches are critical for officer safety and public identification during operations.
Jacket Back Patches
Standard Back Panel Position:
Horizontal: Centered on back panel
Vertical: Between shoulder blades (typically 4-6″ below collar)
Clearance: 2″ minimum from all edges
Common size: 4″ x 10″ or 4″ x 12″
Common Back Patch Text
POLICE
Most common
SHERIFF
County agencies
SWAT
Tactical units
K-9 UNIT
Canine handlers
Fire departments follow similar back patch standards, typically using “FIRE,” “RESCUE,” or “EMS” lettering on turnout gear and station jackets for rapid identification at emergency scenes.
Tactical Vest/Plate Carrier Back Patches
Quick Reference
Patch Placement Measurements
Print this reference guide for use when applying patches. All measurements are industry standards.
6. Fire & EMS Patch Placement
Fire department and EMS uniforms follow similar placement principles as police uniforms, with some key differences due to the variety of garment types worn by firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Class A (Dress) Uniform
Fire department dress uniforms typically mirror police placement standards:
Shoulder patches: 1″ below seam, centered
Name plate: Right breast, 0.25″ above pocket
Badge: Left breast, over the heart
Rank chevrons: Sleeves, 4″ above cuff
Station Wear / Work Uniform
Station wear often uses T-shirts and polo shirts with different patch configurations:
T-Shirt Placement
• Left chest: 3-4″ patch or screen print
• Sleeve: 3″ department patch
• Back: Large station ID (optional)
Polo Shirt Placement
• Left chest: Embroidered department seal
• Right chest: Name/rank embroidery
• Sleeves: Optional department patches
Turnout Gear / Bunker Gear
Turnout gear requires special considerations due to the protective nature of the equipment:
| Location | Patch Type | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Back | Name/ID lettering | Reflective, heat-resistant material |
| Coat Front | Department/rank | Must not interfere with SCBA straps |
| Helmet Front | Shield/front piece | Reflective, follows helmet shape |
| Helmet Side | Unit/company number | Tetrahedrons, reflective decals |
Safety Warning: Turnout Gear Patches
Never use standard embroidered patches on turnout gear. Only use NFPA-compliant lettering and trim that matches the gear’s protective rating. Improper patches can compromise the protective integrity of the gear and void certifications.
EMS/Paramedic Uniforms
EMS uniforms typically follow the same placement as police uniforms. Key patches include department identification on shoulders, certification level (EMT/Paramedic) often displayed on a rocker patch, and “MEDICAL” or “EMS” back panels on jackets for clear identification on scene.
7. Security Uniform Patch Placement
Private security uniforms generally follow law enforcement placement standards, but with some important distinctions. Security companies should ensure their uniforms are professional without being confused with police officers.
Standard Security Patch Positions
Shoulder Patches
• Same position as police: 1″ below seam
• Should clearly state “SECURITY”
• Company name/logo included
Chest Identification
• Name plate on right breast
• Security badge on left breast
• Same placement as law enforcement
State Licensing Requirements
Many states have specific requirements for security uniform identification:
Check State Regulations
Some states require the word “SECURITY” to appear prominently on the uniform (often with minimum text height requirements). Other states restrict the use of badges that could be confused with law enforcement. Always verify your state’s Private Security Act or licensing board regulations before finalizing uniform designs.
Differentiation From Law Enforcement
While maintaining professionalism, security uniforms should be distinguishable from police:
| Element | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Patch Colors | Use distinct colors (not typical police blue/gold) |
| Badge Design | Avoid shapes that mimic police badges |
| Text | Prominently display “SECURITY” or “PRIVATE SECURITY” |
| Company ID | Include company name on patches |
For custom security patches, browse our design gallery or start creating with our online patch designer.
8. Common Placement Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced uniform coordinators occasionally make placement errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
❌ Crooked Patches
Tilted patches are the most visible error and immediately look unprofessional.
Fix: Use a ruler to align edges parallel to seams. Pin and verify before sewing.
❌ Inconsistent Height
Left and right shoulder patches at different heights create an unbalanced appearance.
Fix: Measure from the same reference point on both sides. Use a template.
❌ Too Close to Seams
Patches placed over seams bunch, distort, and wear unevenly over time.
Fix: Maintain minimum 0.5″ clearance from all seams.
❌ Patches Too High
Shoulder patches placed directly on the shoulder look awkward when arms are at sides.
Fix: Position 1″ below shoulder seam so patch is visible from front.
❌ Off-Center Placement
Patches that are not centered on the sleeve or back panel look careless.
Fix: Measure from both edges and mark center. Verify before attaching.
❌ Wrong Backing Type
Iron-on patches on uniforms washed frequently will peel and look shabby.
Fix: Use sew-on backing for duty uniforms.
Pro Tips for Perfect Placement
✓ Create a placement template from cardboard for consistent results across multiple uniforms
✓ Mark with tailor’s chalk which washes out easily if you need to adjust
✓ Pin patches in place and try on the garment before final attachment
✓ Use a quilter’s ruler for precise right angles and measurements
✓ Work on a flat surface rather than trying to measure on a hanger
✓ Have a second person verify placement before sewing
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9. Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Reference Summary
Keep these key measurements handy when applying patches to any uniform:
Shoulder Patches
• 1 inch below shoulder seam
• Centered on sleeve
• 0.5 inch from all seams
• Parallel to shoulder seam
Chest Area
• Name plate: 0.25 inch above pocket
• Badge: Centered on left breast
• Rocker: 0.5 inch below main patch
• Service stripes: 4 inches above cuff
Back Panels
• 4-6 inches below collar
• Centered horizontally
• 2 inch minimum from edges
• Standard size: 4″ x 10-12″
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