Chicago Police

Black text and a symbol on a white background on a silver background

The Chicago (Illinois) Police Department is the one of the largest non-federal law enforcement agencies in the United States, second only to the New York City Police Department. In 1835, the state of Illinois authorized the then-town of Chicago to develop its own police force. Three officers served the approximately 3,200 residents. As of 2015, the Chicago Police Department has over 12,000 sworn officers.

This button features the corporate seal of Chicago, which includes a shield to represent the spirit of the city; a native American to symbolize the original inhabitants of the land; a shaft of wheat meant to imply abundance; a ship to represent Chicago’s location on Lake Michigan; and a sleeping infant in a shell to symbolize Chicago as the “gem” of the Great Lakes. The corporate seal is an integral part of the Chicago Police uniform, and is featured on uniform patches and insignia for officers of all ranks.