Texas Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to TCOLE licensing, badge traditions, and law enforcement credentials in the Lone Star State
Texas law enforcement badges are governed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and protected under Penal Code 37.12. All sworn officers must hold TCOLE licensure. The iconic Texas star badge—inspired by the Texas Rangers’ Lone Star tradition—is widespread among sheriffs and many police departments. Security badges are regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and must clearly differ from law enforcement credentials.
Texas Law Enforcement Overview
Texas has the second-largest law enforcement community in the United States, with over 72,000 licensed peace officers serving across more than 2,700 agencies. From the legendary Texas Rangers—the oldest state law enforcement agency in North America—to metropolitan departments like Houston PD and small-town constables, Texas law enforcement represents a unique blend of frontier tradition and modern policing.
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) serves as the regulatory body for all peace officers in the state. TCOLE licensure is mandatory, creating the framework that determines who may carry a Texas law enforcement badge.
- ~72,000 licensed peace officers (2nd largest in U.S.)
- 254 county sheriff’s offices (most of any state)
- ~1,000 municipal police departments
- ~800 constable precincts
- 2nd most populous state (30+ million residents)
TCOLE Licensing & Badge Authority
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licenses all peace officers in Texas. While TCOLE doesn’t dictate badge designs, its licensing framework determines who may carry law enforcement credentials.
Licensing Requirements
To be eligible for a Texas law enforcement badge, officers must:
- Complete a TCOLE-approved Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) – 720 hours minimum
- Pass the TCOLE state licensing examination
- Be appointed by a Texas law enforcement agency
- Meet all background, psychological, and physical requirements
- Complete Field Training Officer (FTO) program
- Maintain license through continuing education (40 hours per 2-year cycle)
Impersonation Laws
Texas Penal Code 37.12 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to impersonate a public servant, including law enforcement officers. Using a fake badge to assume police authority can result in:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fine up to $4,000
- Enhanced penalties if used to commit another crime
The Texas Rangers Badge Tradition
No discussion of Texas badges is complete without the Texas Rangers—the most storied law enforcement agency in American history. Founded in 1823, the Rangers have shaped badge traditions across Texas and the entire American West.
The Cinco Peso Badge
The famous Texas Ranger badge was traditionally made from a Mexican cinco peso silver coin, creating the distinctive “star in a circle” design. While modern Ranger badges are professionally manufactured, many are still crafted from silver Mexican coins as tribute to this tradition.
Each Ranger badge is unique—there’s no standard issue. Rangers often commission custom badges, and many pass their badges down through generations, making Texas Ranger badges among the most collectible in law enforcement.
Influence on Texas Law Enforcement
The Rangers’ Lone Star badge tradition has influenced law enforcement across Texas:
- Most Texas sheriff’s offices use star-shaped badges
- Many municipal departments incorporate the Texas star
- The 5-point “Lone Star” is the most common configuration
- Silver finish is traditional, though gold is used for higher ranks
The Texas Rangers are now part of the Texas Department of Public Safety but maintain their unique badge traditions. With only about 150 active Rangers, these badges are among the rarest and most prestigious in American law enforcement. Authentic vintage Ranger badges can sell for tens of thousands of dollars to collectors.
Common Badge Styles in Texas
Texas law enforcement badges reflect the state’s frontier heritage and Lone Star identity.
Sheriff’s Offices
Texas has 254 counties—more than any other state—and nearly all use star-shaped badges:
- 5-point Lone Star is most common
- Circle-star (star within a circle) designs popular
- Ball-tipped and plain-pointed variations
- County seal typically in center
- Silver for deputies, gold for sheriff and command staff
Municipal Police Departments
Texas police departments show more variety than sheriffs:
- Star designs: Many smaller departments use Lone Star badges
- Shield designs: Larger cities like Houston and Dallas use traditional shields
- Combination designs: Some use shields with star elements incorporated
Constables
Texas constables (elected county law enforcement officers) typically use star badges similar to sheriff’s deputies, often with “Constable” and the precinct number displayed.
State Agencies
- Texas Rangers: Iconic cinco peso star-in-circle design
- Texas Highway Patrol: Distinctive DPS star design
- Texas Parks & Wildlife: Shield with state elements
Major Texas Departments
| Agency | Type | Sworn Officers | Badge Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Police | Municipal | ~5,300 | Shield with eagle |
| Dallas Police | Municipal | ~3,100 | Shield |
| San Antonio Police | Municipal | ~2,500 | Shield with star |
| Harris County Sheriff | Sheriff | ~2,600 | 5-point star |
| Texas DPS (Highway Patrol) | State | ~3,500 | DPS star |
| Texas Rangers | State | ~150 | Cinco peso star |
Texas heat and humidity—especially in the Gulf Coast region—are tough on badges. Departments in Houston, Corpus Christi, and coastal areas should specify marine-grade finishes and hard enamel for durability. Interior departments face UV exposure challenges instead, making color-stable enamel equally important.
Security Guard Badge Regulations
Texas regulates security guard badges through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau.
Key Requirements
- Must clearly display “Security” or “Private Security”
- Cannot closely resemble law enforcement badges
- Cannot use words “Police,” “Sheriff,” “Constable,” or “Officer” alone
- Company name and/or license number should be displayed
- Shape should differ from local law enforcement
Licensing Requirements
Security guards must be licensed through DPS:
- Level II (unarmed) or Level III (armed) certification
- Background check and training requirements
- Security company must hold appropriate license
Ordering Badges for Texas Agencies
When ordering badges for Texas law enforcement agencies, consider these state-specific factors:
Climate Considerations
- Heat resistance: Texas summers demand durable finishes
- Humidity (Gulf Coast): Marine-grade plating for coastal agencies
- UV exposure: Hard enamel maintains color better than soft
- Dust/sand (West Texas): Smooth finishes easier to clean
Procurement Process
Texas agencies follow various procurement procedures:
- State agencies use Texas SmartBuy (ESBD)
- Local agencies follow municipal/county purchasing rules
- Many agencies use cooperative purchasing (BuyBoard, HGAC, TIPS)
- Small purchases may have simplified procedures
Use our badge design tool to visualize options before starting the formal procurement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why do Texas badges often feature stars?
The star tradition stems from the Texas Rangers, who have used star badges since the 1800s, and Texas’s identity as the “Lone Star State.” The 5-point star represents Texas’s independence and is deeply embedded in the state’s law enforcement culture. While not legally required, stars are the traditional choice for Texas sheriffs and many police departments.
❓ Can retired Texas officers carry their badges?
Yes, most Texas agencies issue retirement badges to officers who leave in good standing. These are typically marked “Retired” to distinguish them from active-duty badges. Texas also participates in LEOSA, allowing qualified retired officers to carry concealed weapons with proper credentials, which may include their retired badge.
❓ What’s special about Texas Ranger badges?
Texas Ranger badges are individually crafted—there’s no standard issue badge like other agencies. Many are still made from Mexican cinco peso coins, continuing a 150+ year tradition. Each Ranger commissions their own badge, and many are family heirlooms passed down through generations. This makes authentic Ranger badges extremely valuable to collectors.
❓ What’s the penalty for using a fake police badge in Texas?
Under Texas Penal Code 37.12, impersonating a public servant (including using a fake badge) is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine. If the impersonation is used to commit another crime, penalties can be enhanced. Simply possessing a fake badge without using it for impersonation is not specifically criminalized in Texas, unlike California.
❓ What’s the difference between Texas constables and deputies?
Both are county-level law enforcement, but constables are elected officials (like sheriffs) who serve specific precincts within a county. Deputies are appointed employees of the sheriff’s office. Constables traditionally focus on civil process (serving warrants, courthouse security) but have full peace officer authority. Both typically wear star badges, but constable badges indicate the precinct number.
- Texas has ~72,000 licensed peace officers—2nd largest in the nation
- TCOLE licensure required for all sworn officers
- Texas Rangers established the state’s star badge tradition
- Most sheriffs and many police departments use Lone Star designs
- 254 counties means diverse badge designs across the state
- Security badges regulated by DPS Private Security Bureau
- Climate varies dramatically—specify appropriate materials for your region
The Bottom Line
Texas law enforcement badges carry a weight of history unmatched in American policing. From the legendary Texas Rangers to the state’s 254 county sheriff’s offices, the Lone Star tradition runs deep. Modern departments balance this heritage with practical considerations for Texas’s challenging climate.
Whether you’re ordering badges for a major metropolitan department or a small-town constable precinct, understanding Texas’s unique badge culture helps create credentials that honor tradition while meeting modern standards.
For more information on badge procurement, see our government procurement guide or explore state badge regulations for a broader national perspective.