The History of the Pensacola Police Badge

By Mike Simmons

Definition of Police Badge: a distinctive emblem worn as a mark of office, membership, or authority.

For centuries, badges have been a symbol of membership and authority. According to The Heraldry Society, “A knight’s armorial insignia were depicted on his shield and surcoat.” This insignia, worn on the left breast, was not worn by the knight himself, but by his followers. Whenever a person was seen wearing the insignia, he carried the authority of the knight.

In the Old West of the United States, a sheriff or marshal represented the authority of the government that appointed him. He wore his shield (badge or star) over his heart. This also served as his “body armor,” deflecting any bullets meant for harm.

The Pensacola Police Department is one of the oldest and most historic police organizations in the nation, dating to the acceptance of West Florida into the United States. On July 17, 1821, Andrew Jackson, newly-appointed governor of the territory of West Florida, stood in Plaza Ferdinand in downtown Pensacola and accepted the land on behalf of the United States from Spain. Two days later, on July 19, he appointed James Craig as Constable for the City of Pensacola – the first Pensacola Police Officer.

There is no record of the badges worn by those early police officers in Pensacola, or if they even wore badges. Because Pensacola was small, everyone in town probably knew the officers, but badges would be needed before long.

1884

On February 17, 1884, the Pensacola Police Officers donned their first uniforms, complete with a brass badge. The badge was topped with an eagle holding a scroll in its mouth, a badge number unique to every officer, laurel leaves, and the words, “Police” and “Pensacola, FLA” on it.

1956

The first day of Mardi Gras, 1956 occurred on May 2. That was also the day that officers of the Pensacola Police Department donned their new colorful “five flags” badges, according to Police Chief Crosby Hall. He made the announcement on April 1, 1956. The new badges featured the five flags that have flown over the city, representing the five nations that have ruled over Pensacola during its history, the official city seal with a red border, and the officer’s rank and number.

2000

On February 1, 2000, Pensacola City Manager Tom Bonfield announced that he had decided to replace the Confederate Battle Flag as the city’s representative five flags with the stars and bars Confederate flag. The reason given by Mr. Bonfield was that the stars and bars flag accurately represented the flag that flew over Pensacola. The old badges were slowly replaced by the new, more historically correct ones.

2021

The Pensacola Police Advisory Committee, appointed by Mayor Grover Robinson, held its first meeting on July 9, 2020. The twelve members of the committee discussed many issues in its one-year existence. At their final meeting on April 1, 2021, the committee released its recommendations for changes they felt should be made at the Pensacola Police Department. One of the changes was the removal of the Confederate flag on the badges, uniform patches, and police cruisers. Over the next two years, that change took place. The five flags badge was replaced with a badge featuring only the American and the Florida flag.

Distinctive

The Pensacola Police Department has one of the most unique and attractive badges in existence.  Officers, badge collectors, and historians worldwide have attempted to purchase them. However, they are not for sale. The only way to possess one legally is to become a Pensacola Police officer.  Here is a brief summary of the symbolism found in this great shield.

City Seal

The seal of the City of Pensacola is located in the center of the shield. This is a very unique but symbolic item.  The first thing one notices is the round circle, the five different dates, the black hand and pen over the black shield, and the symbols inside the shield. 

• The red color of the circle symbolizes military fortitude.
• The five dates represent when the city’s charter was renewed.
• The hand stands for faith, sincerity, and justice.
• The pen symbolizes educated employment.
• The shield represents the protection of the citizens of Pensacola.
• The black color of the hand and shield stands for constancy.

The symbols inside the shield are a cross and crown. These symbols represent the mission that De Luna was on when he first settled in Pensacola to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and claim the area for the Spanish crown.

The “Pensacola” Banner

A banner with “Pensacola” is displayed across the middle of the shield. This banner symbolizes the city’s reward for its long and rich valiant service. The blue color of the banner represents loyalty and truth

The Two Flags

These signify the two governments that our city falls under, The United States and the State of Florida.

The Laurel Leaves

The laurel leaves on each side of the shield under the banner stand for the peace and triumph that Pensacola enjoys in its rich heritage.

The Eagle

The eagle at the top of the badge is a symbol of power and sovereignty.

For Pensacola Police officers, this symbolizes the courage and freedom that they fight for. Each officer must earn the right to wear the badge. During the badge ceremony, no one is given a badge. Each officer proudly has the earned badge pinned on.

For many years, the Pensacola Police Badge has represented the tradition and quality service of those officers who serve the city with distinction.