Hoot Hoot! Call For 1st Order Discount 626-412-1200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shown on the Chicago Police Department patch?

The patch is an eight-sided octagon with a blue border on a white field. CHICAGO arches across the top and POLICE across the bottom in blue letters, framing the City of Chicago seal in the center - a gold-ringed medallion with a tall ship, an infant in a shell, a sheaf shield, and a Native American figure, with the motto I WILL on a red banner. Owl Badges reproduces it as an embroidered shoulder patch.

What does the seal in the center of the Chicago Police patch mean?

It is the Seal of the City of Chicago. The ship and the infant in a shell refer to the city early settlement and commerce, the sheaf on the shield stands for prosperity, the Native American figure represents the area first inhabitants, and the red banner carries the city motto, I WILL. On the patch these are embroidered inside a gold ring on a light-blue ground.

Why is the Chicago Police patch shaped like an octagon instead of a shield?

The eight-sided octagon is the distinctive outline of the Chicago Police shoulder patch, which sets it apart from the shield shapes used by many other departments. We can reproduce the octagon exactly, or build a custom patch for your own agency in a shield, circle, octagon, or other shape - whatever matches your design.

Can you change the colors, lettering, or seal on this design for my own department?

Yes. The blue-on-white with a central city seal is a strong municipal-police layout, and we can adapt it for your own agency - your department name in the arched text, your city or state seal in the center, and your choice of colors and border. A free proof is provided before production so you can confirm every detail.

What size is the Chicago Police Department shoulder patch?

Shoulder patches like this are typically made in the 4 to 5 inch range so the seal and lettering stay legible on a uniform sleeve. Because this design packs fine seal detail, we confirm the proportions at your chosen size on the free proof so the medallion and text stay crisp.

Do I need credentials to order a patch with the Chicago Police Department name on it?

Yes. Patches bearing a real agency name such as the Chicago Police Department are sold only to that agency or its authorized representatives. Law enforcement and public-safety buyers provide proof of occupation, valid credentials, or an authorized purchasing letter before production begins. Custom or fictional department designs, and patches renamed to your own department, are welcome without that step.