Sheriff Badges
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Explore Designs →Types of Sheriff Badges: A Complete Guide to Star Shapes, Designs, and Traditions
Understanding 5-Point, 6-Point, and 7-Point Star Badges Used by Sheriff Departments Nationwide
📅 Updated: December 20, 2025
⏱️ 13 min read
📂 Badge Encyclopedia
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Quick Answer
Sheriff departments across the United States primarily use star-shaped badges, with 5-point, 6-point, and 7-point stars being the most common designs. The star shape traces back to the American frontier era when sheriffs cut badges from tin or Mexican coins, finding stars easier to produce than shields or circles. Each point configuration carries distinct symbolism—the 5-point star represents the five qualities of a good lawman, the 6-point star connects to ancient symbols of authority, and the 7-point star symbolizes the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Today’s custom sheriff badges maintain these traditions while incorporating modern materials and manufacturing techniques.
History of Sheriff Star Badges
The star-shaped sheriff badge has become one of the most recognizable symbols in American law enforcement, made famous through countless Western films and television shows. But the origins of this iconic design trace back to practical necessity on the American frontier, where sheriffs needed visible symbols of authority that could be fashioned quickly from available materials.
During the mid-1800s, frontier lawmen often made their own badges from tin cans, Mexican coins, or whatever metal they could find. The star shape proved far easier to cut and fashion by hand than circular or shield designs, leading to its widespread adoption across the American West. As one historical account notes, “star badges were far easier to produce than circles or shields, and thus the use of the star badge gained even more support.”
The tradition may also connect to medieval Europe, where knights wore coat of arms as symbols of authority. As America developed its own law enforcement traditions, the star emerged as a distinctly American symbol—one that represented the guiding light of justice across vast, often lawless territories. Today, while police officer badges often use shield shapes, sheriff departments have largely maintained the star tradition that connects them to their frontier heritage.
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Historical Note
By 1853, Baltimore police officers were among the first in American cities to wear star-shaped badges. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, completed that same year, helped spread the star badge westward as merchants and lawmen traveled along expanding rail lines. This convergence of transportation and law enforcement needs helped establish the star as the definitive symbol of American sheriffs.
The 5-Point Star Badge
The 5-point star remains one of the most traditional and widely recognized sheriff badge designs. Its clean, symmetrical appearance evokes the classic imagery of the Old West, making it a popular choice for departments that want to honor their historical roots. The sheriff star badge in this configuration carries deep symbolic meaning that resonates with officers and communities alike.
Each point of the 5-point star traditionally represents a core value expected of law enforcement officers: justice, integrity, courage, service, and leadership. These five qualities form the foundation of ethical policing and reflect the oath that sheriffs and their deputies take to serve their communities. When officers wear the 5-point star, they carry a visible reminder of these fundamental commitments.
Agencies Using 5-Point Stars
The United States Marshals Service, one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies, has used 5-point star badges since its founding. The Texas Rangers, legendary for their role in frontier law enforcement, also traditionally employ the 5-point star. Many county sheriff departments across Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and other Western states maintain this tradition, creating a visual link to the lawmen who first tamed the frontier.
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Design Insight
The 5-point star’s simple geometry makes it instantly recognizable even at a distance. This visibility was crucial on the frontier, where a sheriff might need to identify himself quickly across a crowded saloon or dusty street. Modern departments appreciate this same clarity—the 5-point star communicates authority without requiring close inspection.
The 6-Point Star Badge
The 6-point star, also known as the hexagram, carries perhaps the richest symbolic heritage of any sheriff badge design. This configuration has been used throughout history as a symbol of authority, balance, and divine protection. For deputy sheriff badges, the 6-point star often distinguishes deputies from the elected sheriff, who may wear a different configuration.
Historical research suggests the 6-point star’s use in law enforcement may connect to both masonic traditions and ancient symbols of authority. The hexagram appears in numerous cultural and religious contexts, always representing concepts like protection, wisdom, and the balance between earthly and divine powers. When frontier lawmen adopted this symbol, they drew upon centuries of accumulated meaning.
Deputy vs. Sheriff Distinction
Many sheriff departments use different star point counts to distinguish between ranks. A common pattern assigns 6-point stars to deputies while reserving 5-point or 7-point configurations for the elected sheriff and command staff. This visual hierarchy allows community members and fellow officers to quickly identify the rank of the person they’re dealing with, an important consideration in emergency situations.
| Star Type | Typical Rank | Common Finish | Regional Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Point | Sheriff, Marshal | Gold | Texas, Southwest |
| 6-Point | Deputy, Patrol | Silver or Gold | Midwest, East Coast |
| 7-Point | Sheriff, Command | Gold | California, West Coast |
The 7-Point Star Badge
The 7-point star, or heptagram, represents perhaps the most symbolically rich sheriff badge design. This configuration gained prominence in the 19th century when it was given religious significance connecting to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Many California sheriff departments, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, use variations of the 7-point star.
The seven points also symbolize qualities that transcend religious interpretation: love, health, wealth, wisdom, power, peace, and magic—or in more modern terms, the comprehensive protection that law enforcement provides to communities. This multifaceted symbolism makes the 7-point star particularly meaningful for departments that want their badges to represent complete commitment to public service.
California’s 7-Point Tradition
California sheriff departments have particularly embraced the 7-point star. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the largest sheriff’s department in the country, uses a distinctive 7-point star that has become iconic in American law enforcement. Many other California counties follow this tradition, creating a recognizable visual identity for Golden State sheriffs that distinguishes them from departments in other regions.
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Badge Statistics
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employs over 18,000 personnel
- California has 58 county sheriff departments, most using star-based designs
- 7-point stars are also popular in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada
- Modern 7-point badges often incorporate the county seal in the center
Common Design Elements
Beyond the star shape itself, sheriff badges incorporate numerous design elements that convey identity, authority, and professionalism. Understanding these elements helps departments design badges that effectively represent their agencies while maintaining the traditions of American law enforcement. The online badge design tool allows departments to experiment with various combinations of these elements.
Center Seals and Emblems
The center of a sheriff badge typically features an enameled seal representing the county, state, or department. This central element grounds the badge in its specific jurisdiction and provides visual interest. Common center designs include state seals, county seals, eagles, or custom department logos. The seal is usually protected by a clear enamel coating that preserves colors and prevents wear.
Text and Lettering
Sheriff badges incorporate text in specific locations following established conventions. Upper rockers—curved text at the top of the badge—typically display the county or agency name. Lower rockers show the title “Sheriff,” “Deputy Sheriff,” or specific rank. Some departments also include the state name, badge number, or officer name. Quality badges use raised or recessed lettering that resists wear and remains legible throughout years of service.
Metal and Finish Options
Sheriff badges are crafted from high-quality metals including brass, nickel silver, and zinc alloys. Finish options include gold plating for sheriffs and command staff, silver for deputies and patrol, and antique finishes for ceremonial or retirement badges. Two-tone finishes combine gold and silver elements for visual distinction. Protective coatings preserve finishes against the daily wear of law enforcement duty.
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Quality Indicator
High-quality sheriff badges feature die-struck construction, where designs are pressed into metal under extreme pressure. This creates crisp details and durability that stamped or cast badges cannot match. Premium badges also use genuine hard-fired enamel rather than cheaper epoxy fills, resulting in colors that won’t fade or chip over years of wear.
Rank Designations on Sheriff Badges
Sheriff departments use badges to clearly communicate rank within their organizational structure. From the elected sheriff down through deputies and specialized units, badge design elements indicate where each person fits in the chain of command. Understanding these designations helps both officers and the public navigate interactions with sheriff personnel. For more on law enforcement hierarchy, see our guide to police and sheriff ranks.
The Elected Sheriff
The sheriff’s badge typically stands apart from all others in the department. As the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in the county—and often the only directly elected law enforcement official—the sheriff’s badge usually features gold finish, possibly a different star point count than deputies, and may include the sheriff’s name engraved directly on the badge. In many states, the sheriff is the only department member whose name appears on their badge.
Undersheriff and Command Staff
The undersheriff, captains, and lieutenants typically wear gold badges that distinguish them from patrol deputies. Their badges may include specific rank designations like “Undersheriff” or “Captain” in place of the generic “Deputy Sheriff” text. Some departments use subtle design variations—different border treatments, additional flourishes, or distinct center emblems—to differentiate command staff badges.
Deputies and Specialized Units
Standard deputy sheriff badges often feature silver finish to distinguish them from command staff. Specialized units—detectives, K-9 handlers, corrections officers, and state trooper liaisons—may have unit-specific badges that identify their specialized role while maintaining consistency with the department’s overall badge design.
✅ Gold Badge Ranks:
- Sheriff (elected)
- Undersheriff
- Chief Deputy
- Captain
- Lieutenant
Silver Badge Ranks:
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Deputy Sheriff
- Reserve Deputy
- Detention Officer
Regional Variations Across States
Sheriff badge traditions vary significantly across different regions of the United States, reflecting local history, culture, and practical considerations. Understanding these regional patterns helps explain why sheriff badges in Texas look different from those in California or New York. Browse the complete collection of sheriff badge designs to see this regional diversity firsthand.
Western States
The American West maintains the strongest connection to frontier-era badge traditions. Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada sheriff departments frequently use 5-point stars that echo the badges worn by legendary lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Pat Garrett. These badges often feature simpler designs with less ornamentation, reflecting the practical aesthetic of the Old West.
Pacific States
California, Oregon, and Washington have developed distinctive badge traditions, with the 7-point star being particularly prevalent. California sheriffs often use elaborate badges featuring detailed county seals, ornate borders, and complex enamel work. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department badge, with its distinctive 7-point star and detailed center seal, has influenced sheriff badge design throughout the Pacific region.
Midwest and Eastern States
Midwestern and Eastern sheriff departments show more variation in badge design, with some using traditional star shapes while others have adopted shield designs similar to municipal police badges. The 6-point star sees wider use in these regions, possibly reflecting historical connections to older badge-making traditions from the original colonies.
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Important Note
While regional traditions influence badge design, each sheriff department ultimately makes its own decisions about badge specifications. When ordering badges for a department, always verify current design standards with department leadership rather than assuming regional patterns apply. Badge regulations can change with new sheriffs or department policy updates.
Caring for Sheriff Badges
A sheriff’s badge represents years of service and the authority of the office. Proper care ensures badges maintain their professional appearance throughout an officer’s career and beyond. Many retired sheriffs display their badges in a shadow box display as a memorial to their service, making preservation even more important.
Regular cleaning with a soft cloth removes fingerprints and prevents tarnish buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage enamel fills or scratch metal finishes. Store badges in protective cases when not in use, and consider professional polishing for badges that have lost their luster. Quality badge holders protect badges from scratches while providing convenient carry options.
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Key Takeaways
- Sheriff star badges originated in the American frontier when stars were easier to cut from available metal than shields or circles
- 5-point stars represent five core values: justice, integrity, courage, service, and leadership
- 6-point stars carry ancient symbolism of authority and are often used for deputy designations
- 7-point stars symbolize the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and are popular in California
- Star point count often indicates rank, with sheriffs wearing different configurations than deputies
- Gold finish typically designates command staff, silver for patrol deputies
- Regional traditions influence badge design, with distinct patterns in Western, Pacific, and Eastern states
- Quality badges feature die-struck construction and hard-fired enamel for durability
Conclusion
The sheriff’s star badge stands as one of the most iconic symbols in American law enforcement, connecting today’s deputies to a heritage stretching back to the frontier era. Whether featuring 5, 6, or 7 points, each star configuration carries meaningful symbolism that reflects the values and traditions of the office. From the practical origins of hand-cut tin stars to today’s precision-manufactured badges with detailed enamel work, sheriff badges have evolved while maintaining their essential character.
Understanding the types of sheriff badges—their shapes, design elements, rank designations, and regional variations—provides insight into the rich traditions of American county law enforcement. For departments seeking to honor these traditions while meeting modern standards, quality badge manufacturers offer extensive customization options that balance historical authenticity with contemporary needs. Learn more about the ordering process to begin designing your department’s badges.