Texas Police Badge Ordering Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to TCOLE licensing, badge traditions, and law enforcement credentials in the Lone Star State—where 254 counties and Texas Rangers heritage create America’s most storied badge culture
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 (720-hour Basic Peace Officer Course minimum). Texas has 254 counties—more than any other state—nearly all using iconic Lone Star badges inspired by the Texas Rangers’ cinco peso tradition dating to the 1800s. Houston PD is the largest department (~5,300 officers), followed by Dallas and San Antonio. Texas has ~72,000 licensed peace officers—the second-largest law enforcement community in America after California. The star badge tradition stems from the legendary Texas Rangers (founded 1823), whose hand-crafted badges made from Mexican cinco peso coins created the most recognizable badge design in American law enforcement. Security badges are regulated by Texas DPS and must clearly differ from law enforcement credentials.
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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. Only California has more peace officers. 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.
Texas has 254 counties—more than any other state in America. This creates the nation’s largest number of county sheriff offices, each with distinct badge traditions. Georgia ranks second with 159 counties, followed by Virginia with 95 counties plus 38 independent cities. Texas’s high county count reflects its enormous size (268,000 square miles—second largest state) and historical settlement patterns.
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 offices (MOST of any state)
- ~1,000 municipal police departments
- ~800 constable precincts
- 2,700+ law enforcement agencies total
- 2nd most populous state (30+ million residents)
- Houston PD: Largest department (~5,300 officers)
- Texas Rangers: ~150 officers (oldest state agency)
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.
Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC)
To be eligible for a Texas law enforcement badge, officers must complete a TCOLE-approved Basic Peace Officer Course with minimum 720 hours of training. Major academies include:
- Houston Police Academy
- Dallas Police Academy
- San Antonio Police Training Academy
- Texas Department of Public Safety Academy
- Various community college academies statewide
Licensing Requirements
Officers must:
- Complete TCOLE-approved BPOC (720+ hours)
- Pass the TCOLE state licensing examination
- Be appointed by a Texas law enforcement agency
- Meet 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
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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 (two years before Texas independence from Mexico), the Rangers have shaped badge traditions across Texas and the entire American West.
The Cinco Peso Badge Tradition
The famous Texas Ranger badge was traditionally made from a Mexican cinco peso silver coin, creating the distinctive “star in a circle” design that has become the most iconic law enforcement badge in America. While modern Ranger badges are professionally manufactured, many are still crafted from silver Mexican coins as tribute to this 150+ year tradition.
Each Ranger badge is unique—there’s no standard issue design like other agencies. Rangers often commission custom badges from specialized badge makers, and many pass their badges down through generations. This makes Texas Ranger badges among the most collectible and valuable in law enforcement history. Authentic vintage Ranger badges can sell for tens of thousands of dollars to collectors.
Modern Texas Rangers
Today, the Texas Rangers are part of the Texas Department of Public Safety but maintain their unique badge traditions. With only about 150 active Rangers serving the entire state, these badges remain among the rarest and most prestigious in American law enforcement.
Influence on Texas Law Enforcement
The Rangers’ Lone Star badge tradition has influenced law enforcement across all 254 Texas counties:
- Nearly all Texas sheriff 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
- Circle-star designs (star within a circle) echo Ranger tradition
The Texas Rangers are the oldest state law enforcement agency in North America, predating even Texas statehood by 23 years. The famous saying “One riot, one Ranger” reflects their reputation for handling impossible situations. Modern Rangers maintain this mystique while serving as elite investigators for DPS. Each Ranger’s hand-crafted badge represents a personal symbol of this 200+ year heritage.
Common Badge Styles in Texas
Texas law enforcement badges reflect the state’s frontier heritage and Lone Star identity. With 254 counties and over 1,000 municipal departments, badge designs vary widely while maintaining core traditions.
Sheriff Offices (254 Counties)
Texas has 254 counties—more than any other state—and nearly all use star-shaped badges:
- 5-point Lone Star is most common design
- 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
- Each county has distinct design reflecting local heritage
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
- City identity: Badge designs often incorporate city seals or landmarks
Constables (~800 Precincts)
Texas constables (elected county law enforcement officers serving specific precincts) typically use star badges similar to sheriff deputies, often with “Constable” and the precinct number displayed. Constables handle civil process, warrant service, and have full peace officer authority.
State Agencies
- Texas Rangers: Iconic cinco peso star-in-circle design (hand-crafted, unique)
- Texas Highway Patrol: Distinctive DPS star design
- Texas Parks & Wildlife: Shield with state elements
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: Shield design
Major Texas Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency | Type | Sworn Officers | Badge Style | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Police | Municipal | ~5,300 | Shield with eagle | 4th largest US city |
| Texas DPS (Highway Patrol) | State | ~3,500 | DPS star | Statewide |
| Dallas Police | Municipal | ~3,100 | Shield | 9th largest US city |
| Harris County Sheriff | County | ~2,600 | 5-point star | Most populous county |
| San Antonio Police | Municipal | ~2,500 | Shield with star | 7th largest US city |
| Texas Rangers | State | ~150 | Cinco peso star | Elite state investigators |
Climate & Badge Durability Requirements
Texas’s enormous size creates dramatically different climate challenges for badge durability. Understanding these environmental factors is critical when specifying badge materials for Texas agencies.
Gulf Coast: Heat & Humidity
Houston, Corpus Christi, Galveston, and coastal departments face extreme challenges:
- High humidity (70-90%) year-round accelerates corrosion
- Salt air exposure near the coast
- Summer heat indices regularly exceed 105°F+
- Officers work outdoors in oppressive heat and moisture
- Marine-grade finishes and heavy plating required
West Texas: Desert Heat & UV
El Paso, Midland-Odessa, and desert regions present different challenges:
- Extreme UV exposure from intense sunlight
- Summer temperatures exceed 110°F regularly
- Low humidity but extreme heat stress on materials
- Dust and sand abrasion
- UV-resistant coatings and hard enamel critical
Central & North Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio face mixed conditions:
- Hot, humid summers with temperatures 95-105°F
- Winter temperature swings (can drop to teens)
- Moderate UV exposure
- Quality construction handles varied conditions
Badge Specifications for Texas
Given Texas’s climate diversity, specify:
- Hard enamel—resists heat, humidity, and UV
- Heavy plating (25+ mils)—critical for Gulf Coast
- UV-resistant clear coats—for West Texas sun
- Corrosion-resistant finishes—marine-grade for coastal areas
Texas heat and humidity—especially in the Gulf Coast region—are brutal on badges. Houston, Corpus Christi, and coastal departments should specify marine-grade finishes and hard enamel for durability. West Texas departments face extreme UV exposure instead, making color-stable enamel equally important. Don’t use one-size-fits-all specifications—match badge materials to your specific Texas region.
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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
- No five-point stars (reserved for law enforcement in Texas)
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
- Renewal every two years
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why does Texas have 254 counties?
Texas has 254 counties—more than any other state—because of its enormous size (268,000 square miles) and historical settlement patterns. When Texas was settling in the 1800s, counties were created to ensure residents could travel to the county seat and back in one day by horse. This created many smaller counties. Georgia has 159 counties (2nd most), followed by Virginia with 95 counties plus 38 independent cities. Texas’s 254 counties create the nation’s largest number of distinct sheriff badge designs.
❓ Why do Texas badges often feature stars?
The star tradition stems from the Texas Rangers, who have used star badges since the 1800s (originally made from Mexican cinco peso coins), 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. This makes Texas star badges the most recognizable in American law enforcement.
❓ 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 dating to the 1800s. Each Ranger commissions their own badge from specialized badge makers, and many are family heirlooms passed down through generations. With only ~150 active Rangers, these badges are extremely rare. Authentic vintage Ranger badges can sell for tens of thousands of dollars to collectors, making them the most valuable law enforcement badges in America.
❓ 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 (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act), allowing qualified retired officers to carry concealed weapons nationwide with proper credentials, which may include their retired badge.
❓ 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 (Texas has ~800 constable precincts). 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 while deputy badges show the county name.
- Texas has 254 counties—more than any other state
- ~72,000 licensed peace officers (2nd largest in nation)
- TCOLE licensure (720+ hours) required for all sworn officers
- Texas Rangers established iconic cinco peso star tradition (1800s)
- Nearly all sheriffs and many police use Lone Star designs
- Houston PD largest department (~5,300 officers)
- Climate varies dramatically—specify materials by region
- Gulf Coast needs marine-grade; West Texas needs UV protection
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The Bottom Line
Texas law enforcement badges carry a weight of history unmatched in American policing. From the legendary Texas Rangers (founded 1823) whose hand-crafted cinco peso badges created the most iconic design in law enforcement, to the state’s 254 county sheriff offices (more than any other state), the Lone Star tradition runs deep.
Modern Texas departments balance this 200+ year heritage with practical considerations for the state’s challenging and diverse climate. Gulf Coast departments need marine-grade construction to survive humidity and salt air. West Texas agencies require UV-resistant materials to withstand desert sun. Central Texas departments face mixed conditions demanding versatile construction.
Whether you’re ordering badges for a major metropolitan department, one of 254 county sheriff offices, 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 complete badge procurement guide or explore options for sheriff badges, police badges, corrections badges, federal agency badges, or fire department badges.