Custom Police Rank Patches, Order Chevrons Online
Rank patches tell the public and your own officers who is in charge at a glance, so every chevron has to match from one sleeve to the next. Owl Badges stitches chevrons, rockers, bars, stars and service stripes in your department's thread colors, with sew-on, iron-on or hook-and-loop backing for class A shirts, jackets and tactical vests. Rank patches start at $20 each at the 10-piece minimum and run from $3 per patch in volume, with no setup or digitizing fees. Order for your next promotion list below.
- ✓ Free proof before production
- ✓ Purchase orders accepted
- ✓ Ships nationwide
- ✓ Rush production in 7–10 days
- ✓ Send your deadline and we plan the order around it
- ✓ Quote requests answered 24/7
Find the rank patch for every grade in your department
Start with the rank you are ordering. Each card opens the chevron style, product or quote for that grade.
Officer First ClassOne chevronCustomize the PFC chevron →
Senior OfficerTwo chevrons and a rockerCustomize the senior grade →Field Training OfficerChevron with FTO rockerCustomize the FTO chevron →
CorporalTwo chevronsCustomize the corporal chevron →
Sergeant, Every GradeThree chevrons, plus rockers for senior gradesSee sergeant stripes →
DetectiveChevron with DET rockerCustomize the detective chevron →
LieutenantSingle barSee lieutenant bars →
Captain and Command StaffDouble bars and starsRequest a command-staff quote →Rank chevrons we have made for police departments
Production photos of chevrons made for real agencies, labeled with the department and rank. If you are ordering for one of these departments, or want your own department's chevrons reproduced the same way, send your rank list and we match the colors and shape on your proof.
Chicago Police Department chevrons
Six Chicago designs: sergeant chevrons in light blue, in navy, and in grey with black; a light blue corporal chevron; and two field training officer chevrons with an FTO rocker, in light blue and in dark navy. Each can be ordered sew-on or with hook-and-loop backing.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) sergeant chevrons
A sergeant chevron stitched in silver, blue and black thread. Order matching chevrons for a new sergeant class, or replacements for worn sleeves, in the same colors.
Houston Police Department chevrons
Sergeant and senior police officer chevrons made for Houston. Order both grades together so the thread colors match from one promotion to the next.
Philadelphia Police Department chevrons
Corporal and sergeant chevrons for Philadelphia: two chevrons and three chevrons in the same colors, so a promotion keeps every sleeve consistent.
Dallas Police Department chevrons
Sergeant and corporal chevrons made for Dallas as a matched set. Reorders come from the artwork on file, so the next batch matches this one.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sergeant chevrons
A sergeant chevron made for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Order a promotion class at once and add spares for mid-year promotions.
Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC) chevrons
A private first class chevron made for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. The same design can be ordered sew-on for shirts or hook-and-loop for vests.
Detroit Police Department sergeant chevrons
A sergeant chevron made for the Detroit Police Department. Orders start at 10 patches, which covers five sergeants with chevrons on both sleeves.
Suffolk County Police Department sergeant chevrons
A sergeant chevron made for the Suffolk County Police Department. Send a photo of your current chevron with your quote request and we match it on the proof.
New York State Police chevrons
Sergeant, first sergeant and chief technical sergeant chevrons for the New York State Police, all stitched in grey and black.
Department names identify the agency each chevron was made for. Owl Badges is not affiliated with or endorsed by these departments.
Ordering rank patches is straightforward with Owl Badges
Pick the insignia, set your department's colors in the browser, then order or request department pricing. Three steps, no artwork fees.
Discover police rank patch styles
Browse one-, two- and three-chevron designs, rocker combinations for senior grades, lieutenant and captain bars, command stars and service stripes. Each style shows real embroidery: satin-stitched chevrons on twill with a merrowed or hot-cut border.
| Rank | Field training officer |
|---|---|
| Thread | Gold on black |
| Backing | Hook-and-loop |
Customize your rank patch in real time
Set thread colors, add rocker text and choose a backing in the Owl Badges TruePatch Designer, a live in-browser patch designer. You see every change as you make it, revise as often as you like, and pay nothing for design.
Order instantly or request a quote
Order straight from the designer, or send the design with your headcount for department pricing. A free proof comes back before anything is stitched.
What You Get With Every Rank Patch
Six things every chevron, bar and star order includes.
Thread matched to your department
Chevrons stitched in your existing colors, with metallic gold or silver thread available.
Rockers, text and center devices
Add FTO or DET lettering, rockers for senior grades, and diamonds or stars.
A backing for every uniform
Sew-on for shirts and jackets, hook-and-loop for vests, iron-on for short-term wear.
Live preview
See the finished rank patch in the TruePatch Designer before you order.
US-based since 1999
250,000+ badges and patches delivered to 5,000+ organizations from our California shop.
Expert support
A patch specialist reviews your rank design and answers questions by phone, Monday to Friday.
Design your police rank patch with the TruePatch Designer
Build chevrons, rockers and bars in the browser with a live preview. No account is needed to start, revisions are unlimited, and there is no design fee.
Need a police rank patch for every officer? Request a quote.
Send your rank list and headcount. We return department pricing and a free proof, and we accept purchase orders.
How to design your police rank patch
Three decisions shape every rank patch. Make them in this order and the proof comes back right the first time.
Choose the insignia for the rank
Count the chevrons first: one for officer first class, two for corporal, three for sergeant. Senior sergeant grades add one or more rockers underneath, and some add a center diamond or star. Lieutenants and captains wear bars and command staff wear stars, so those orders use a rectangular patch instead of a chevron shape. Training and investigative roles often add a lettered rocker such as FTO or DET.
Match the thread colors and border
Send a photo of the chevrons your officers wear now and we match the thread on the proof. Gold on navy, silver on black and white on navy are the common dress pairings; black on coyote tan or olive is the subdued choice for tactical gear. Pick a merrowed edge for a classic rolled border or a hot-cut edge to follow tight chevron angles.
Pick the backing and approve the proof
Choose sew-on for class A and class B shirts and jackets, hook-and-loop for vests and plate carriers, or iron-on for short-term uniforms. Hook-and-loop adds $2 per patch. Your free proof shows the exact size, colors and backing before anything is stitched, and production takes 3 to 4 weeks after you approve it.
Shop Custom Police Rank Patches
Eight ready-to-customize chevron styles — from $3 per patch in bulk.
Custom Rank Patch Pricing
Rank patches are priced per patch on one ladder: $20.00 each at the 10-piece minimum, falling to $3.00 each at 250 or more, with no setup or digitizing fees. Full tier detail at the price calculator.
Hook-and-loop backing adds $2.00 per patch. Orders of 500 and up are quoted individually. Pricing reviewed October 2026.
How many rank patches should you order?
Chevrons are worn on both sleeves, so count two per officer for each uniform, then add spares.
| Order | Tier | What it costs |
|---|---|---|
| Small promotion list: 5 new sergeants, one shirt each | 10–19 patches | 10 patches at $20.00 = $200. Two spares keep you in the same tier: 12 at $20.00 = $240. |
| FTO program: 12 trainers, one shirt each | 20–29 patches | 24 patches at $14.00 = $336, with room for four spares before the next tier. |
| Detective bureau: 40 detectives, one shirt each | 75–99 patches | 80 patches at $6.00 = $480. At 75 or more the price drops from $6.50 to $6.00. |
| Officer first class chevrons for 150 officers | 250–499 patches | 300 patches at $3.00 = $900, the lowest tier on the ladder. |
Rank Patches at a Glance
| Construction | Embroidered thread on twill |
|---|---|
| Insignia | Chevrons, rockers, bars, stars, service stripes |
| Backing | Sew-on, iron-on, hook-and-loop (+$2) |
| Price range | $3–$20 per patch by volume |
| Minimum order | 10 pieces per design |
| Production time | 3–4 weeks after proof approval; rush in 7–10 days |
| Setup / digitizing fees | None |
| Border | Merrowed or hot-cut |
| Thread | Department colors; metallic gold or silver |
| Proof | Free, before production |
| Producer | US-based, since 1999 |
What we recommend for a rank patch
For daily patrol uniforms, order sew-on chevrons in your dress colors and a matching subdued hook-and-loop set for vests. Count both sleeves plus two spares per officer, so a torn or faded chevron never leaves someone out of uniform. Order every grade on the same schedule so new sergeants and corporals receive identical thread colors, and keep the artwork on file for the next promotion list.
How much do custom police rank patches cost?
Custom rank patches cost $20.00 each at the 10-piece minimum and fall to $3.00 each at 250 or more. Production takes 3 to 4 weeks after you approve the free proof. Enter your quantity below to see your price.
10 patches at $20.00 per patch · 10-piece minimum per design
Pricing covers the embroidery, your choice of border, thread colors including metallic, rocker text and the free proof. Hook-and-loop backing adds $2.00 per patch. Orders of 500 and up are quoted individually.
Rank patch price ladder
| Quantity | Price per patch | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 10–19 patches | $20.00 | 10 = $200.00 |
| 20–29 patches | $14.00 | 20 = $280.00 |
| 30–49 patches | $11.00 | 30 = $330.00 |
| 50–74 patches | $6.50 | 50 = $325.00 |
| 75–99 patches | $6.00 | 75 = $450.00 |
| 100–249 patches | $5.50 | 100 = $550.00 |
| 250–499 patches | $3.00 | 250 = $750.00 |
| 500 and up | Quoted individually | Request a written quote |
Does ordering more rank patches cost less overall?
The same jump happens at every break: 29 patches cost $406 and 30 cost $330; 49 cost $539 and 50 cost $325; 74 cost $481 and 75 cost $450; 249 cost $1,369.50 and 250 cost $750. When your count sits just under a break, the spares are effectively free, and spare chevrons are exactly what you need when an officer is promoted mid-year or tears a sleeve. For 500 and up, request a written quote.
Compare constructions on every patch type we make, or price a mixed order with the per-tier patch pricing tool.
Match the insignia to the rank before you order
These are the insignia patterns departments use most often. Not every department uses every grade, and titles vary, so your proof shows exactly what you approve.
Need the full order of ranks from officer to chief? Read our guide to the police rank hierarchy.
Who orders police rank patches, and why?
Supervisors, training officers and investigators all wear rank patches, and each grade is ordered at a different moment. The table shows the insignia, colors, backing and buying moment for the eight ranks departments order most.
| Rank | Insignia | Typical colors | Backing | Ordered when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officer first class | One chevron | Gold or white on navy | Sew-on | An officer completes probation or a step increase |
| Senior officer | Two chevrons and a rocker | Silver or gold on black | Sew-on | Officers reach a senior or master officer grade |
| Field training officer | Chevron with FTO rocker | Gold on black | Sew-on and hook-and-loop | A training program starts or new trainers certify |
| Corporal | Two chevrons | Gold, silver or white | Sew-on | The corporal promotion list is announced |
| Sergeant | Three chevrons; rockers for senior grades | Gold on navy or silver on black | Sew-on and hook-and-loop | Promotion ceremonies and new sergeant classes |
| Detective | Chevron with DET rocker | Gold on navy | Sew-on | Officers move to an investigations bureau |
| Lieutenant | Single bar | Gold or silver | Hook-and-loop chest or collar tab | Promotion to watch commander or unit lead |
| Captain and command staff | Double bars, stars | Gold or silver | Hook-and-loop chest or collar tab | Command appointments and reorganizations |
Ordering several ranks at once? Each rank design carries its own 10-piece minimum, and every design uses the same price ladder.
Rank patch colors: gold, silver, white and subdued
Dress uniforms usually carry bright chevrons; tactical gear carries subdued ones. Many departments order both.
Have a color that isn't shown? Send a photo with your quote request and we match it on the proof.
Customize rank patches with rockers, text and borders
Lettered rockers
FTO, DET, K9 or a unit name stitched on the rocker under the chevrons.
Center devices
A diamond, star or department symbol between the chevrons and rockers.
Merrowed or hot-cut border
A rolled merrowed edge for a classic look, or hot-cut to follow sharp angles.
Metallic thread
Gold or silver metallic thread for dress and honor guard uniforms.
Embroidery coverage
Coverage chosen per design, up to 100% of the patch surface.
Fine lettering
Embroidered letters hold down to about 4mm; finer text moves to a flat woven patch for small lettering.
Order service stripes in the same colors as your chevrons
Service stripes, also called hash marks, sit on the lower sleeve and show years served. Each stripe stands for the number of years your department's uniform policy sets. Order them with your chevrons so the thread matches, and reorder at each anniversary from the artwork we keep on file. They use the same price ladder and 10-piece minimum.
How do I reorder or replace rank patches?
Reorders match the original because your artwork and thread colors stay on file at no charge. Send the rank and the quantity; the 10-piece minimum still applies.
After a promotion
Order the new grade for every uniform the officer wears: class A, class B, jacket and vest. Two per uniform is the usual count.
Worn or faded chevrons
Sleeves rub on car doors and duty gear. Replace faded chevrons in batches of 10 or more so the whole shift matches.
New uniform or color change
A new shirt color usually needs new thread colors. Send the new fabric color and we prove the chevrons against it.
New hires and lateral transfers
Lateral hires who arrive with rank need chevrons in your colors on day one. Keep spares from your last order in the supply room.
Rank Patch Design Gallery
Ten rank patch designs to start from. Customize any of them in the TruePatch Designer, from $20 each at 10 down to $3 at 250 or more.
Rank Patch Specs, Wear and Care
Everything that goes on the proof, plus how to wear, wash and store rank patches so they last through promotions.
Rank patch specifications
| Construction | Embroidered thread on twill, satin-stitched chevrons |
|---|---|
| Insignia | Chevrons, rockers, center devices, bars, stars, service stripes |
| Border | Merrowed (rolled) or hot-cut |
| Thread | Matched to your department colors; metallic gold or silver available |
| Coverage | Chosen per design, up to 100% |
| Lettering | Embroidered text down to about 4mm |
| Size | Cut to your rank design; exact dimensions shown on the proof |
| Backing | Sew-on, iron-on, hook-and-loop (+$2.00), plastic or sticker |
| Price | $20 per patch at the 10-piece minimum, falling to $3 per patch at 250 or more |
| Minimum / setup fees | 10 pieces per design · no setup or digitizing fees |
| Production / producer | 3–4 weeks after proof approval · US-based since 1999 |
Where to wear your rank patch, and which backing to order
Match the backing to the garment. Most departments order two backings for the same rank.
| Backing | Where it is worn | Order it when |
|---|---|---|
| Sew-on | Class A and class B shirt sleeves, jackets | For daily uniforms that are washed often |
| Hook-and-loop (+$2) | Vests, plate carriers, tactical shirts | For gear shared or swapped between uniforms |
| Iron-on | Academy, cadet or event uniforms | For short-term wear or a quick turnaround |
| Hook-and-loop collar or chest tab | Tactical shirts and vests (bars and stars) | For lieutenants and command staff on duty gear |
How to store spare rank patches
| Spares per officer | Two spare chevrons per officer for each uniform type |
|---|---|
| Packing | Flat, in a sealed bag, out of direct sunlight |
| Hook-and-loop | Store with the loop side covering the hook side |
| Labeling | Bag and label by rank so promotions pull the right grade |
How to wash and care for a rank patch
Embroidered chevrons hold their color through regular washing when you follow a few rules.
| Situation | What to do | Never do this |
|---|---|---|
| Machine washing | Turn the shirt inside out; wash cold on a gentle cycle | Use bleach on colored thread |
| Drying | Tumble dry low or hang dry | Dry on high heat, which can pucker the twill |
| Pressing | Press from the reverse side with a cloth between | Put a hot iron directly on metallic thread |
| Hook-and-loop gear | Close the hook side before washing | Wash open hook strips with other uniforms |
| Dry cleaning | Fine for sew-on chevrons on dress uniforms | Dry clean iron-on patches repeatedly |
Need a spec that isn't listed? Ask for it on your quote and it appears on the proof.
Where rank patches go on each uniform
Class A and class B shirts
Chevrons go on both upper sleeves, usually centered below the shoulder patch. Your uniform policy sets the exact gap.
Jackets and outerwear
Sew matching chevrons on both sleeves so rank still shows when the jacket is zipped.
Tactical vests and carriers
A hook-and-loop rank tab on the chest panel, usually in subdued thread.
Collars
Small subdued rank tabs on the collar points of tactical shirts; metal collar insignia stay on dress shirts.
For measured placement, see uniform patch placement measurements.
Custom Police Rank Patches, Order for Your Department
Which page you need depends on the rank you are ordering. Sergeants have the most grades, so three-chevron stripes in every sergeant grade have their own page with staff, master and first sergeant options. Lieutenants wear a bar instead of chevrons; see single-bar insignia for lieutenants. To start from a finished design, browse ready-made chevron designs to customize. Every rank has a 10-piece minimum and ships 3 to 4 weeks after proof approval.
Rank patches for every kind of department
Municipal police
Chevrons and bars matched to your city uniform colors.
Sheriff's offices
Deputy, corporal and sergeant grades for patrol and jail divisions.
Corrections and detention
Dress and subdued chevrons for housing-unit supervisors.
Security companies
Supervisor and site-lead chevrons for private security teams.
Campus and school police
Rank patches for campus officers and their supervisors.
Park rangers and transit
Rank insignia for ranger and transit supervisor uniforms.
Reserve and auxiliary units
Chevrons that match the full-time ranks they serve beside.
Cadet and academy programs
Cadet rank chevrons for youth and academy programs.
Shop Rank Patches by Category
Six insignia families cover almost every rank structure.
Chevrons
One, two or three chevrons for officer through sergeant.
Chevrons with rockers
Senior sergeant grades with one to three rockers.
Lettered rockers
FTO, DET or unit names stitched below the chevrons.
Bars
Single and double bars for lieutenants and captains.
Stars
One to five stars for deputy chiefs and chiefs.
Service stripes
Hash marks for years of service, in matching thread.
Rank patches built for every shift
Every design starts in the TruePatch Designer and ends with a proof you approve before anything is stitched.
- Satin-stitched chevrons
- Merrowed or hot-cut borders
- Subdued or metallic thread
- Sew-on or hook-and-loop
- Artwork kept on file
Reasons departments order rank patches
Rank patches are rarely a one-time order. These are the moments that put them on a purchase order.
- ✓A promotion ceremony is on the calendar
- ✓A new sergeant class comes off the promotional list
- ✓The department launches or expands its FTO program
- ✓Patrol moves to tactical uniforms with vest carriers
- ✓A new class A uniform is adopted
- ✓The department changes its uniform color
- ✓Two agencies merge and need one rank standard
- ✓Officers reach service anniversaries for hash marks
- ✓A detective bureau or specialty unit is formed
- ✓The supply room runs low on spare chevrons
- ✓Reserve or auxiliary officers join the roster
- ✓An honor guard needs dress chevrons
- ✓Faded chevrons fail a uniform inspection
- ✓A cadet or academy program needs rank insignia
Every one of these orders starts at 10 patches per design. Because your artwork stays on file, the next promotion list reorders with no new setup or digitizing fees.
How do I order police rank patches with Owl Badges?
Four steps: pick the rank, set the details, approve a free proof, and order from $3 per patch in volume.
Browse
Choose the rank from the cards above or start from a ready-made chevron.
Select
Pick thread colors, border and backing for each uniform.
Personalize
Add rocker text or a center device, then review the free proof.
Order
Approve the proof; production finishes 3 to 4 weeks later.
Not sure which insignia your department uses?
Two free guides help you check titles and placement before you order.
Police ranks explained
Every rank from officer to chief, with what each insignia means.
Uniform patch placement guide
Where shoulder patches, chevrons and name tapes go, with measurements.
Rank Patch FAQs
How does the Owl Badges TruePatch Designer work?
The TruePatch Designer is a live patch designer that runs in your browser. Pick a rank style, set thread colors, add rocker text and choose a backing, and the preview updates as you go. No account is needed to start, revisions are unlimited and there is no design fee. When the design is ready, order it directly or send it as a quote request.
What is a police rank patch?
A police rank patch is an embroidered insignia that shows an officer's grade on the uniform. Most are chevrons worn on both upper sleeves: one for officer first class, two for corporal, three for sergeant. Senior grades add rockers, lieutenants and captains wear bars, and command staff wear stars.
How much do custom police rank patches cost?
Rank patches cost 20 dollars each at the 10-piece minimum, 14 dollars at 20 to 29, 11 dollars at 30 to 49, 6 dollars 50 cents at 50 to 74, 6 dollars at 75 to 99, 5 dollars 50 cents at 100 to 249 and 3 dollars per patch at 250 or more. Orders of 500 and up are quoted individually. Hook-and-loop backing adds 2 dollars per patch.
Can I order rank patches with no minimum?
No. The minimum is 10 patches per design. Because chevrons are worn on both sleeves, 10 patches covers five officers with one uniform each. There are no setup or digitizing fees at any quantity, so a small promotion order costs only the per-patch price.
How long does production take?
Production takes 3 to 4 weeks after you approve the free proof. Plan rank patches for a promotion ceremony at least a month ahead, and order a few spares so a late promotion does not wait for a new run. Need them sooner? Rush production takes 7 to 10 days. Request a quote with your deadline and we reply within 4 hours.
Which backing should rank patches have?
Sew-on is the standard for class A and class B shirts and jackets because it stays put through daily wear and washing. Hook-and-loop suits vests and carriers and adds 2 dollars per patch. Iron-on works for short-term uniforms such as academy or event wear. Plastic and sticker backings are also available.
Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes. Police departments, sheriff's offices and security companies can order on a purchase order. Send the PO with your rank list and quantities, and the free proof comes back before production starts. We ship nationwide.
How do reorders work?
Your artwork and thread colors stay on file at no charge, so a reorder matches the first run. Send the rank and the quantity; the 10-piece minimum applies and there are no new setup or digitizing fees.
Are rank patches sold in pairs?
Rank patches are priced per patch, so a pair for both sleeves counts as two. When you count your order, multiply officers by two for each uniform they wear, then add spares for promotions and torn sleeves.
Can you match our existing chevrons?
Yes. Send a photo of the chevrons your officers wear now with your quote request. We match the shape, colors and border on the proof, and you approve it before anything is stitched.
Do you make subdued rank patches for tactical uniforms?
Yes. Subdued chevrons in black thread on coyote tan or olive are made for vests, carriers and tactical shirts, usually with hook-and-loop backing. Many departments order a subdued set alongside their dress chevrons.
Can chevrons include text like FTO or DET?
Yes. A lettered rocker under the chevrons can carry FTO, DET, K9 or a unit name. Embroidered letters hold down to about 4mm; for finer text, the same design can be made as a woven patch.
Do you make lieutenant and captain bars as patches?
Yes. Lieutenant and captain bars, and command stars, are made as embroidered patches, usually as hook-and-loop chest or collar tabs for tactical uniforms. Metal collar insignia for dress shirts are a separate product.
Can we order service stripes in the same colors?
Yes. Order service stripes, also called hash marks, with your chevrons so the thread matches. They use the same price ladder and 10-piece minimum, and they reorder from the artwork on file at each anniversary.
Can different ranks share one order?
Yes. You can order several ranks together. Each rank design carries its own 10-piece minimum, and the proof shows every design side by side so colors match across the department.
Do you make rank patches for sheriff's offices, corrections and security companies?
Yes. The same chevrons, bars and stars are made for sheriff's deputies, corrections officers, campus police and private security supervisors. Send your rank titles and colors and the proof follows your department's structure.
Ready to order your department's rank patches?
Start a design in the browser or send your rank list for department pricing. Free proof, 10-piece minimum, no setup fees.
Owl Badges makes rank patches for police departments, sheriff's offices, corrections agencies and security companies.
Every grade, one standard
Order all ranks together so thread colors and borders match across the department.
Dress and tactical sets
Pair sew-on chevrons with subdued hook-and-loop tabs for vests.
Promotion-ready reorders
Artwork stays on file, so the next promotion list reorders with no new fees.
Order custom rank patches for your department
Why departments order rank patches from Owl Badges
$20 at 10 down to $3 at 250, the same for every rank.
No setup, digitizing or artwork fees on first orders or reorders.
Departments can order on a purchase order, and we ship nationwide.
Related patch pages
Talk to a patch specialist
Questions about a rank design or a department order? Call 626-412-1200, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM PST.
Looking for a patch that isn't a rank insignia?
Owl Badges makes shoulder patches, name tapes, morale patches and more on the same price ladder. Start from the full catalog.