History of
the Badge
In 1873, the Police Badge was designed and officially adopted by
the City of Pittsburgh.  The badge is a unique design:  The crest is
from the Coat-of-Arms of William Pitt, the first Earl of Chatham, and
the man for whom Pittsburgh is named.  The garter around the
badge is linked to King George III, the last English ruler of the
American colonies.  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 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.