Badge History
In 1873, the Police Badge was designed and officially adopted by the City of Pittsburgh. The PBP badge is very unique in design and meaning. The Pittsburgh Police Badge with its distinctive design and history is worn with great pride by the men and women of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Crest:
The crest is from the Coat-of-Arms of William Pitt the 1st Earl of Chatham, The English gentleman for whom Pittsburgh is named. Garter:
The garter around the badge is from the most Noble Order of the Garter, the senior British Order of Chivalry founded by King Edward III in 1348. Shield:
The shield is a circular fighting shield used by 15th century Greek foot soldiers. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the circular shield was used extensively in the British Isles, hence its appearance in Pittsburgh.
The crest is from the Coat-of-Arms of William Pitt the 1st Earl of Chatham, The English gentleman for whom Pittsburgh is named. Garter:
The garter around the badge is from the most Noble Order of the Garter, the senior British Order of Chivalry founded by King Edward III in 1348. Shield:
The shield is a circular fighting shield used by 15th century Greek foot soldiers. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the circular shield was used extensively in the British Isles, hence its appearance in Pittsburgh.