Overview
A badge is a distinctive mark, token, sign, or emblem worn on one’s clothing, which signifies a rank or membership in an organization. They are usually formed like a name badge and provide information about the organization and the role, and sometimes include the individual’s name. Sometimes, they are referred to as buttons, shields, emblems, crests, or rank insignia.
Badges can also indicate that the individual has accomplished a certain amount of service or attained a particular level of authority. Badges or patches can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, leather, textile fabric, rubber, etc. Usually, investigators affix them to clothing and worn on the right or left side of the chest.
Are Private Investigators Required to Carry a Badge?
Private Investigators are not required to carry or wear a badge. However, many private detectives choose to carry one along with their private investigator’s license to reinforce their official status. The shield, crest, or emblem does not symbolize any level of legal or professional authority and is sometimes frowned upon. Check with the licensing authority in your state to see if there are any rules and regulations specific to your state.
Manufacturers and Resellers
There are a number of high-quality manufacturers within the United States. In most cases, you won’t be able to buy directly from the manufacturer. However, they maintain an extensive network of dealers and resellers in local areas throughout the country. Following is a shortlist of the most well-known manufacturers. Visit their website for more information on local dealers and re-sellers.
Badge & Wallet – Offers various custom and pre-designed badges, cases, wallet holders, tie bars, tacks, belts, medals, and more. Also, the company offers an extensive selection of options for investigation and law enforcement agencies.
- Blackinton – Blackinton is the largest manufacturer of badges for police, fire, security, military, and the government. Blackinton has a nationwide network of over 800 dealers and fills orders directly via its website. In addition, the company sells wallet holders, commendation bars, uniform insignia, medals, awards, and much more. In addition, they provide custom solutions and refinishing services. Blackinton offers the following options:
- Official Private Investigator Shields – This official private investigator emblem is made by Blackinton (listed above) in the United States and is made to industry standards. The piece has the label Private Investigator in blue and has an engravable area where a number can be added. Dimensions are 3″ in length by 2¼” in width. Visit their website to order directly.
- National Private Investigator Badge – This private eye crest is master crafted and is perfect for any private investigator who wishes to carry an official identifier of their craft. It is made of durable metal, has a high luster finish and clip attachment, and measures 3″ x 2 1/4″.
- Deluxe Security Enforcement Officer – “Security Enforcement Officer” rank insignia. Great for security guards and for private eyes who specialize in providing protective services or bodyguard services. Made of zinc alloy with nickel plating. Pin backing. Includes a place for the officer, detective, or security guard’s name to be stamped. The phrase “Liberty & Justice For All” is printed in the inside circle with American flags. The dimensions are 3.125″ x 2.25″. Options include Deluxe Silver – Public Safety SECURITY ENFORCEMENT OFFICER and the Deluxe Gold – Public Safety SECURITY ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
Chief Supply carries a wide selection of badges from the top manufacturers. In addition, they offer wallets and holders, collar brass, nameplates, stickers, acrylic holders,
Smith & Warren – Manufactures emblems for police, fire departments, EMS, Sheriffs, security guards, and other public safety rank insignia. The company also provides nameplates, tie bars, collar letters and insignia, commendation bars, and much more. Smith & Warren has a nationwide network of dealers. Visit Smith & Warren’s website to access their dealer locator.
Badge Wallets and Shield Holders
If you plan to purchase a badge, we highly recommend purchasing a protective wallet or holder. It will extend the life of the metal and make it easier to carry. Amazon.com has a wide selection of affordably priced wallets and shield holders. The ASR Federal Unisex Law Enforcement Badge Holder is one of the most highly rated. It is made of 100% genuine leather and has a built-in protector.
This badge holder wallet case is perfect for private investigators. The holder features a custom-shaped recessed shield holder section, a protector flap, and an ID display compartment. It is made of 100% black leather. Please note that the badge is not included in the case and must be purchased separately. Be sure to purchase one of the items above with the carrying case.
Related Information
Learn about other types of gear and equipment used by investigators. Also, check out our extensive collection of images and photos on our Pinterest Board.
A number of professions use a badge . License exam. , auditors and correction industries in Georgia .
That is an opinion not factual. PIs should be able to identify in various forms (State License, ID, and or Badge) this is professional. Clients and the general public will have more of a sense of trust when you identify with credentials. Would you speak with or allow someone into your home claiming to be a PI but they don’t have any form of identification? A lot of people speak on this subject without experience. Similar people who make the statement you did are the same who don’t respect security nor think they should have badges. Badges aren’t an authority piece it’s an identifier. California needs to change its laws because they’re nonsense. Security is given more “rights” than PIs. The reason why PIs aren’t required to carry a badge is that they’re private professionals, yet some organizations they work for do require and issue credentials. Now those who are in executive protection or in private investigations pretending to be federal agents are dangerous individuals and its a felony. I wouldn’t want to work with these types of individuals. I have worked in security and seen a handful of police impersonators.
Did you know health inspectors, firefighters, and ems carry badges? Remember badges aren’t just for the police. Badges are identifiers of professional public service not necessarily authority.
I had no idea that private investigators didn’t need to get a badge. It is important to understand that doing some research can help you find the best way to get the information you need. I can see how anyone looking for investigators would want to compare several ones before choosing the best in their area.
In not a few states the carrying of a PI badge is not legal and will get your license suspended. Only want-to-bes carry PI badges.
Need to get patches and ids for my business
The easiest way is to visit Smith & Warren’s dealer locator to find a local dealer. https://www.smithwarren.com/dealer-locator/
I imagine that it would be an HONOR to wear a badge. It’s unfortunate that many officers are looked down on by many people.
I wore a badge for 14 years as a sworn officer. To me it signified that I was available to help anyone at any time. I was aware that I was looked down upon by some, however my pride in wearing that uniform never once let someone else’s opinion of me get in the way.