The History of North Carolina’s Police Badges

The Symbol of Authority, Respect and Trust

The police badge has evolved from medieval symbols of authority into a universal emblem of public service and trust. Originating from the shields and crests worn by knights and early law enforcers, badges became official identifiers with the rise of modern policing in the 19th century. Today, each badge represents more than just identification—it stands for duty, integrity, and the bond between officers and the communities they serve. To the officer, it signifies honor and responsibility; to citizens, it embodies protection, accountability, and the promise of justice.

Preserving The History Of North Carolina Badges and Patches

North Carolina has a rich history of law enforcement dating back to the early 1700s when the first sheriffs and town constables were established. The badges worn from the varying NC agencies over the years have evolved from hand-carved 6-point stars made by local jewelers to beautiful representations of the agency and the citizens they protect from trusted badge manufacturers. Whether you are a badge collector or police history enthusiast, our goal is to capture the variation of badges and patches used by each agency and the history of those behind the badges.