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Police Badge Reference Guide: Understanding Badge Types, Design Standards, and Law Enforcement Usage

Welcome to your trusted resource for badge knowledge. The Owl Badges blog is where law enforcement professionals, department administrators, and badge enthusiasts come to learn about every aspect of police and law enforcement badges.

From understanding what badges are made of to navigating procurement processes, from exploring badge history to staying current with industry regulations—we cover it all. Our articles are written by industry experts who understand the practical needs of law enforcement agencies and professionals.

Ultimate Guide to Police and Law Enforcement Badges Types, Usage, Creation, and Ordering Tips!
Ultimate guide to police and law enforcement badges types, usage, creation, and ordering tips!
  • Jan 02 2026
    Infographic showing canada's three-tier policing system: federal (rcmp with 20,000+ officers), provincial (opp, sq, rnc with 12,500+ officers), and municipal (130+ services with 36,000+ officers). Statistics show 68,500 total officers, $15. 1b annual budget, 12. 8m calls per year, and 185 officers per 100k population.

    Police in Canada: Complete Guide to All Canadian Police Forces, Ranks & Badges [2026]

    Law Enforcement Guide Police in Canada: Complete Guide to All Canadian Police Forces, Ranks & Badges [2026] From the iconic Mounties to provincial and municipal forces—everything you need to know about Canada’s unique policing system, rank structures, and badge traditions. Updated: January 2026 18 min read Owl Badges Team 📌 Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Campus safety officer requirements infographic showing education, age, background check, training, certification, and physical standards

    Campus Safety Officer: Complete Career Guide, Requirements & Training [2026]

    Public Safety Career Guide Campus Safety Officer: Complete Career Guide, Requirements & Training [2026] Everything you need to know about campus safety and security careers, from entry-level positions to director roles, including Clery Act compliance, state requirements, and salary expectations. By Owl Badges Team | Updated January 2026 | 25 Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Infographic showing six volunteer firefighter requirements: age (18+, junior 14-17), physical standards (medical exam, cpat), background check (criminal and driving record), training hours (100-200 hours free), time commitment (4-8 hours weekly), and residency (within district boundaries). Source: national volunteer fire council 2026.

    How to Become a Volunteer Firefighter: Complete Guide + Requirements [2026]

    Fire & EMS Career Guide How to Become a Volunteer Firefighter: Complete Guide + Requirements [2026] Everything you need to know about joining your local volunteer fire department, from basic requirements to training, equipment, and state-specific regulations. By Owl Badges Team | Updated January 2026 | 22 min read 🚒 Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Uk detective career progression timeline infographic showing the path from trainee dc to detective chief superintendent over 20+ years, with salary ranges at each rank: trainee dc (£29,907+), dc (£31k-£50k), ds (£44k-£53k), di (£52k-£67k), dci (£60k-£75k), dsu (£75k-£90k), and dcs (£90k+). Includes key milestones like passing the national investigators exam and pip2 accreditation.

    Detective Constable: Complete UK Career Guide [2026]

    Law Enforcement Careers Detective Constable: Complete UK Career Guide [2026] Everything you need to know about the Detective Constable rank—salary expectations, entry routes, daily duties, and how this UK role compares to detective positions worldwide. 📅 Updated: January 2026 ⏱️ 18 min read ✍️ Owl Badges Team 📌 The Short Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Clery act compliance timeline infographic showing five key deadlines: ongoing daily crime log updates within 2 business days, immediate timely warnings and emergency notifications, october 1 annual asr publication deadline, december 23 hazing transparency report (new for 2025), and 7-year record retention requirement. Bottom section shows 2026 compliance facts: 5,800+ title iv institutions, $71,545 per violation fine, 60 days public crime log access, and new 2025 hazing requirements.

    The Complete Clery Act Compliance Guide for Campus Security [2026]

    Campus Security Compliance The Complete Clery Act Compliance Guide for Campus Security [2026] Everything campus security professionals need to know about Clery Act requirements, CSA training, Annual Security Reports, and the new Stop Campus Hazing Act. Updated: January 2026 • 35 min read • Campus Security • Owl Badges Team Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Visual guide to becoming a police officer showing the complete 4-step journey from eligibility requirements through academy training to sworn officer status. Includes 2026 statistics on academy length, pass rates, starting salaries, and what helps or hurts your application.

    How to Become a Police Officer: Police Academy Requirements, Training & Career Guide (2026)

    How to Become a Police Officer: Police Academy Requirements, Training & Career Guide (2026) Complete guide to police academy training, requirements, costs, and the path from civilian to sworn officer By Owl Badges Team | Updated: January 2026 | 25 min read | Law Enforcement 📌 The Short Answer To Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Infographic comparing the top 6 police dog breeds used in k9 units: german shepherd (65-90 lbs, 6-9 year working life, patrol/detection, #1 worldwide), belgian malinois (40-80 lbs, 8-10 years, military/tactical, #1 military choice), dutch shepherd (45-75 lbs, 8-10 years, patrol/detection, rising popularity), bloodhound (80-110 lbs, 5-7 years, tracking specialist), labrador retriever (55-80 lbs, 6-8 years, detection, public-friendly), and doberman pinscher (60-100 lbs, 6-8 years, patrol/guard, speed/agility). Key selection factors include trainability, physical stamina, intelligence, temperament, and scent ability.

    Police Dog Breeds: The Complete K9 Unit Guide for 2026

    Police Dog Breeds: The Complete K9 Unit Guide for 2026 Every breed, role, training requirement, and handler certification explained by industry experts By Daniel Richardson | Updated: January 2026 | 18 min read | Law Enforcement 📌 The Short Answer The most common police dog breeds are the German Shepherd, Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Infographic comparing firearms qualification requirements for law enforcement (70-80% passing score, 50 rounds, annual), armed security (8-47 hours initial training, annual renewal), and pursuit/recovery professionals (varies by state). Key stats: 50 states with unique standards, 70% most common passing score, 8-47 hours security training, annual requalification frequency.

    Firearms Qualification Requirements by State: Complete Guide for Armed Professionals (2026)

    Armed Professional Resources Firearms Qualification Requirements by State: Complete Guide for Armed Professionals (2026) Everything law enforcement officers, armed security guards, and pursuit professionals need to know about annual firearms qualification standards, training hours, and passing scores in all 50 states. 📅 Updated: January 2026 ⏱️ 14 min read 👤 Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Infographic comparing the top 5 non-resident ccw permits ranked by reciprocity. Number 1 florida covers 37 states at $102 with required training and 7-year validity. Number 2 utah covers 36 states at $53. 25 with utah-certified training and 5-year validity. Number 3 arizona covers 37 states at $60 with no training required and 5-year validity. Number 4 virginia covers 30 states at $100 with online training accepted and 5-year validity. Number 5 new hampshire covers 28 states at $100 with no training required and fastest 14-day processing. Pro tip: florida plus utah combination equals 38 states covered.

    Best Non-Resident CCW Permits for Maximum Coverage in 2026

    ← Back to Complete CCW Guide Strategic Permit Guide Best Non-Resident CCW Permits for Maximum Coverage in 2026 The top non-resident permits ranked by reciprocity, plus multi-permit strategies to legally carry in 35+ states—even if your home state has limited recognition. 📅 Last Updated: January 2026 • ⏱️ 18 min Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Infographic showing the 5-step ccw permit application process: step 1 check eligibility (federal and state laws), step 2 complete training (4-16 hours typical), step 3 gather documents (id, proof, certificate), step 4 submit application (plus fees and fingerprints), step 5 background check and wait (2 weeks to 6 months), resulting in permit issued (valid 2-5 years). Key statistics shown: $50-$300 typical total cost, 4-16 hours training required, 29 states have constitutional carry, 43 states are shall-issue.

    How to Get a CCW Permit in 2026: Complete Application Guide

    ← Back to Complete CCW Guide Step-by-Step Guide How to Get a CCW Permit in 2026: Complete Application Guide Everything you need to know about applying for a concealed carry permit—eligibility requirements, required documents, training, costs, and what to expect from start to finish. 📅 Last Updated: January 2026 • Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Infographic showing where concealed carry is prohibited: federal locations (courthouses, post offices, schools, airports, military bases, irs, va hospitals), state locations (government buildings, polling places, bars, hospitals, churches, stadiums, amusement parks), and private property rules (force of law states vs trespass warning states). Consequences include up to 5 years federal prison, state felonies, misdemeanors, and permit revocation.

    Where You Cannot Carry: Complete Guide to Prohibited Places 2026

    ← Back to Complete CCW Guide Know Before You Carry Where You Cannot Carry: Complete Guide to Prohibited Places 2026 Federal gun-free zones, state restrictions, private property rules, and signage laws every concealed carrier must know to stay legal. 📅 Last Updated: January 2026 • ⏱️ 18 min read • Read More
  • Jan 01 2026
    Ccw reciprocity guide 2026 - state permit recognition comparison infographic

    CCW Reciprocity Guide 2026: Where Is Your Permit Valid?

    ← Back to Complete CCW Guide State-by-State Analysis CCW Reciprocity Guide 2026: Where Is Your Permit Valid? Complete 50-state breakdown of concealed carry permit reciprocity agreements, which states honor your permit, and how to legally carry across state lines. 📅 Last Updated: January 2026 • ⏱️ 22 min read • Read More