Private Investigator Badges – The Top Suppliers

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Private investigator badge
Image by Alexander Lesnitsky from Pixabay

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, provide information about the organization and the role, and sometimes include the individual’s name. Sometimes, they are called 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 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 carry one 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 several 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 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 private eyes who specialize in providing protective 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 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.

Bestseller No. 1
Sadnyy Neck Chain Badge Holder Leather Police Badge Holder Security Card Holder with Inside ID Storage Universal Chain Badge Sleeve for Police, Firefighter, Detective (Rectangle)
  • Package contains: receive a neck chain badge holder, with a separate ID slot on the back, and there is also a storage layer in the middle; Its size is 4.3 x 3 inch, which is universal for most badges to meet your daily use and carrying needs
  • Reliable material: made of leather, the police badge holder is soft and sturdy, showing a charming luster; The stitching is exquisite and the routing is meticulous, also equipped with a well-made stainless steel chain, which is convenient to wear on the neck
  • Practical design: the transparent ID card window is visible and protective, and the hidden compartment inside can hold an extra card, cash or photo; This security card holder is compact and portable, can be easily placed in a pocket
  • Suitable for: universal chain badge sleeve is suitable for police, detectives, firefighters, law enforcement officers, military officers, etc., which can be applied to place ID cards, credit cards, driving licenses, work permits, passes and cash
  • Stylish appearance: the chain leather badge holder adopts simple design and classic black color, practical and elegant, and can be integrated with your style, which is an add-on that makes you chic; It can also be served as a gift for family and friends
Bestseller No. 2
Perfect Fit NYPD Detective Belt Clip Badge Holder with Pocket and Chain (Cutout PF225)
  • Fits only NYPD Detective full sized badges, Cutout Height: 2.72 (in.) Width: 2.25 (in.)
  • Made in the USA by Perfect Fit
  • Pocket to store the included neck chain
  • DOES NOT FIT New Jersey badges with a similar shape. This holder uses Cutout PF225 which is 2.72 inches tall by 2.25 inces wide, If you are not a NYPD Detective, then this holder will not fit your badge.
Bestseller No. 3
TYTX Leather Police Badge Belt Clip Holder with Universal Round Neck Stainless Steel Chain and Concealed Photo Pocket (Badge Not Included)
  • This badge holder features an integrated heavy-duty leather encased steel belt clip that provides protection against the sharp edges of the badge clip in an unexpected chest impact situation when worn around the neck.
  • It is made of thick cowhide leather and heavy-duty stitching, and comes with a stainless steel ball chain necklace to be worn around the neck.
  • The holder is for a universal 2.5″ x 3.2″ badge and is presented in a gift box.
  • This universal leather badge holder is suitable for law enforcement officials such as cops, detectives, SWAT, FBI, NYPD, DELTA, police, SIGMA, firefighters, fugitive recovery agents, individuals with concealed weapons permits, repossession agents, military officials, and army personnel with captain badges.
  • TYTX was established in 2012 and specializes in producing leather cases for customers around the world. Each classic case is handcrafted exclusively, and follows a “less is more” design principle with a passion for perfect materials and manufacturing.

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.

8 COMMENTS

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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