Kansas Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to KLETC certification standards and badge specifications for law enforcement across the Sunflower State
Kansas law enforcement badges are governed by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). All sworn officers must be KLETC-certified. Kansas follows Western traditions—105 county sheriffs use star-shaped badges while municipal police use shields. Wichita Police is the largest department. Kansas City, Kansas and the KC metro area share law enforcement coordination with Missouri.
- Approximately 7,000 sworn law enforcement officers statewide
- 105 county sheriff offices
- Over 300 municipal police departments
- Kansas Highway Patrol: ~500 troopers
- 36th most populous state with 2.9 million residents
- KLETC minimum training: 560 hours for certification
Kansas Law Enforcement Overview
Kansas law enforcement reflects its frontier heritage with strong sheriff traditions across 105 counties. The state has two major metropolitan areas—Kansas City and Wichita—along with vast rural territories.
The Kansas Highway Patrol provides highway patrol services, while the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) handles major crimes. County sheriffs are the primary law enforcement for unincorporated areas, and municipal police serve cities.
Kansas Badge Traditions & Styles
Kansas maintains strong Western badge traditions. All 105 county sheriffs use star-shaped badges, often featuring classic 5-point or 6-point designs. Municipal police use shield designs.
| Agency | Type | Officers | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita Police | Municipal | ~700 | Shield |
| Kansas Highway Patrol | State | ~500 | State Badge |
| Sedgwick County Sheriff | County | ~400 | Star |
| Kansas City KS Police | Municipal | ~450 | Shield |
Climate Considerations
Kansas sits in Tornado Alley with extreme weather—from severe thunderstorms to blizzards. Temperature swings from below zero to over 100°F are common. Specify hard enamel with quality plating for durability. Western Kansas agencies face intense sun exposure requiring UV-resistant finishes.
- Kansas has 105 county sheriffs using star badges
- KLETC certification (560 hours) required for all officers
- Wichita PD is the largest department (~700 officers)
- Extreme weather requires durable badge construction
The Bottom Line
Kansas maintains Western law enforcement traditions with clear KLETC certification standards. For custom badge orders, see our badge procurement guide.