Chicago Police Badge: History, Design & Symbolism

The Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed hundreds of police badges along with most department records. Officers lost in the fire were memorialized by permanently retiring their badge numbers—a tradition CPD continues today. After the fire, the department issued replacement badges with updated designs, marking the first major badge redesign in CPD history. These post-fire badges introduced nickel-plating over copper base metal, addressing tarnishing issues. Surviving pre-fire CPD badges are among the rarest American law enforcement collectibles, with only 23 known examples in museums and private collections. For more on badge history, see our complete timeline.

Badge #1 has belonged to every Chicago Police Superintendent since 1896, creating an unbroken chain of succession spanning 130 years. When a superintendent retires, Badge #1 is passed to their successor in a formal ceremony. The badge itself has been replaced multiple times as designs evolved, but the number remains constant. Unlike numbered badges issued to patrol officers, Badge #1 uses special materials and hand-finishing—the current Badge #1 features 24-karat gold plating with genuine enamel work, making it CPD’s most valuable physical artifact. Superintendents purchase replica Badge #1 designs for retirement, as the original never leaves department custody. For more on famous badges, see our NYPD badge comparison.

• First badges issued: 1855 (copper hand-stamped stars)
• Current design adopted: 1920 (with minor updates 1965, 1993)
• Total CPD badges in circulation: ~13,500 (for 12,000 officers + reserves)
• Production time per badge: 40-60 hours (hand-crafted)
• Badge #1: Reserved for Superintendent since 1896
• Collector value: Pre-1900 badges: $5,000-$25,000 | Modern retired badges: $400-$1,200

Why is the Chicago police badge a 5-point star?

Chicago chose the 5-point star in 1855 to distinguish city police from county sheriffs who used 6-point stars. The 5-point design also differentiates Chicago from deputy sheriffs (7-point stars) and federal marshals (6-point shields). Each point represents a core value: honor, courage, integrity, service, and justice. This symbolism, formalized in the 1950s, connects to broader American law enforcement traditions dating to frontier badges. The star shape also provides more surface area than shields for displaying badge numbers and department seals, making it practical for Chicago’s district-coded numbering system.

What does Badge #1 look like in Chicago?

Badge #1, worn by the Superintendent, uses the same 5-point star shape as patrol badges but with premium materials and craftsmanship. The current Badge #1 features 24-karat gold plating (versus nickel-silver for patrol badges), genuine cloisonné enamel work on the city seal, and hand-engraving by master craftsmen. It’s noticeably heavier and more lustrous than standard badges. The back is engraved with all previous superintendents’ names and service dates, creating a physical record of department leadership since 1896. Badge #1 never leaves department custody—superintendents receive gold-plated replicas upon retirement.

How much is an old Chicago police badge worth?

Pre-1900 Chicago police badges command $5,000-$25,000 at auction depending on condition and provenance. Pre-Chicago Fire (1871) badges are extremely rare with only 23 known examples, valued at $15,000-$50,000. Early 1900s badges (1900-1920) sell for $1,500-$5,000. Post-1960 retired badges range $400-$1,200 depending on officer prominence and badge condition. Badges from famous officers, notorious incidents, or significant historical events command premiums of 200-500%. Modern replica badges (never issued to officers) are essentially worthless to collectors. Authentication is crucial—the Chicago Police History Museum can verify provenance for $50-$150.

What do the numbers on Chicago police badges mean?

Chicago uses district-coded badge numbers in format ##-###. The first two digits indicate the officer’s assigned district (01-25), and the remaining three digits identify the individual officer within that district. For example, Badge 18-243 belongs to the 243rd officer in District 18 (Near North). When officers transfer districts, they receive new badges with updated district codes. This system, implemented in 1960, allows instant identification of an officer’s assignment. Special units like detectives and command staff use 01-series numbers (headquarters district). Badge #1 belongs to the Superintendent. Badge #2 traditionally belongs to the First Deputy Superintendent.

Can retired Chicago officers keep their badges?

Yes, but with modifications. Retired CPD officers can purchase their service badges for $200-$400, but the badges are permanently altered by drilling small holes through the star points and stamping “RETIRED” on the back. This prevents use for impersonation while allowing officers to keep their badges as career mementos. Active badge numbers return to department inventory and are typically reassigned after 5-10 years. Officers killed in the line of duty have their badge numbers permanently retired—families receive unmodified badges in shadow boxes. This tradition began after the 1871 fire and continues today. Approximately 520 CPD badge numbers are permanently retired.

Why does Chicago use stars instead of shields like NYPD?

Regional tradition and jurisdictional distinction. Eastern departments like NYPD, established in the 1840s when policing was formalized, adopted European-style shield badges reflecting Old World heraldry. Chicago, founded in 1833 and developing during westward expansion, embraced the tin star symbolism of frontier lawmen. The star shape distinguished Chicago as a Western city culturally distinct from Eastern establishments. Additionally, the 5-point star visually differentiates city police (5 points) from county sheriffs (6 points) and deputies (7 points), preventing jurisdictional confusion. This tradition became so entrenched that even modern redesign proposals maintaining the star shape have failed—Chicagoans strongly identify with the 5-point star as a civic symbol.