Custom Police Patches
Agency shoulder patches, K9 units, SWAT teams, plainclothes velcro, badge replicas. Embroidered to uniform-grade durability.
Agency Shoulder Patches
The shoulder patch identifies the agency. It is the most public, most recognizable, most photographed piece of a police uniform and it has to be reproduced consistently across hundreds of officers, dozens of uniform variants, and years of service. We build agency shoulder patches in polyester thread on polyester twill - the same colorfast combination that survives daily uniform laundering without fading or bleeding.
We will color-match an existing patch exactly from a high-resolution photo or scan. We will also build new designs from agency artwork, official seals, or department spec sheets. Standard backing is sew-on with a merrowed border. For agencies that need different shoulder patch variants (uniform, jacket, jobshirt, training), we will produce them all from a single digitized master file.
K9, SWAT, and Specialty Units
Beyond the standard agency patch, specialty unit patches communicate the role of the wearer:
- K9 Unit: German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois imagery, handler designation, often a paw print or shield outline.
- SWAT / ERT / TRT: Aggressive shield designs, snake/dragon iconography, motto banners. Often produced in PVC with velcro for plate carrier mounting.
- Detective Bureau / Investigations: Often subdued or low-profile.
- Honor Guard / Ceremonial: High-detail full-color embroidered, sew-on.
- School Resource / Community Affairs: Approachable color palettes, often paired with department logo.
- Marine, Aviation, Mounted: Unit-specific iconography (boat, helicopter, horse).
Plainclothes and Undercover
For officers who work in plainclothes - detectives, narcotics, surveillance, undercover - velcro is the standard backing. The patch lives on a tactical panel inside a jacket or on a chest rig, and can be removed in seconds when an assignment requires going low-profile. Subdued color palettes are common: black, dark olive, ranger green, coyote brown, dark gray.
For these applications, PVC patches are often used instead of embroidered - waterproof, wipeable, and more abrasion-resistant on gear that gets rough handling. We will quote both side-by-side so the agency can pick.
Pricing
| Patch Type | Size | Per Piece (10+) |
|---|---|---|
| Agency Shoulder Patch | 4"-5" | $15 |
| K9 / Specialty Unit | 3.5" | $16 |
| SWAT (Embroidered + Velcro) | 3.5" | $18 |
| Badge Replica | 3"-4" | $19 |
Department orders 25+ qualify for bulk pricing. Free digitizing on agency orders $150+.
Police Patch FAQ
Do you produce patches for police agencies?+
Yes. We produce shoulder patches, specialty unit patches, K9 patches, SWAT patches, detective division patches, and badge replicas for municipal departments, county agencies, and state-level units. We are based in Huntington, NY and serve law enforcement clients across the tri-state area.
What are the standard police shoulder patch dimensions?+
Most municipal shoulder patches sit between 4 and 5 inches tall, with shield, oval, or department-specific shapes. We will match exact dimensions and color from an existing patch or follow a department spec sheet. State agencies often have stricter specifications that we will follow line for line.
Can you do subdued patches for plainclothes or tactical?+
Yes. Subdued patches use a muted palette (typically black, dark olive, ranger green, coyote, or dark gray) for plainclothes assignments, undercover, surveillance, or tactical use. Velcro backing is standard for plainclothes so the patch can be removed quickly when going low-profile.
How do K9 and SWAT patches differ from standard shoulder patches?+
K9 patches typically feature a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois profile and the handler unit identifier. SWAT patches are often more aggressive in design - shields, snake/dragon iconography, motto banners - and frequently use velcro for plate carrier and entry vest mounting. We do both as either embroidered or PVC depending on the gear they will live on.
Can you replicate a badge as a patch?+
Yes. Badge-replica patches are an embroidered (or sometimes woven) recreation of an agency badge, often worn on uniform sleeves, jackets, or jobshirts. Detail is critical - we re-digitize from a high-resolution badge image, preserving department numbers, seal detail, motto banners, and eagle iconography.
Are there any restrictions on producing police patches?+
We require verification before producing patches for active law enforcement agencies - a department purchase order, agency email contact, or supervisor confirmation. We will not produce active-agency patches for unauthorized individuals. We are happy to produce retiree, alumni, and historical-style police patches for collectors and former officers.
Related
Agency Patch Programs
Send existing patch artwork or department spec - we quote within 24 hours.
Or call (631) 458-3842