![]() ![]() The use of staves of office was likely carried to this country by the British, where the length and adornment of the staff depicted the authority vested in the bearer. ![]() “Twelve O’clock and all is well! “The watchman goes his nightly rounds, While we do soundly sleep From fire and thieves and robbers bold, Your property to keep.”Īn example of a pre-1845 badge of authority, are staves of office. The Watchman – his cap was his badge/emblem of office/authority. The word “office” is used interchangeably with “authority” by many sources. The language “badges or emblems of office” comes from official records of the common council and refers to: clothing, hats, caps, helmets, copper badges, and staves of office. Badges and Emblems of Office of the City’s Police 1800-1844: This article deals with badges and emblems of office issued to police officials, and other officials, in New York City, between 18. The common council prescribed which officials, in selected offices, were authorized to wear “badges and emblems of office.”Īs of the writing of this article, coverage of this topic has not been found in books, or papers, written about the history of policing in the city. The Common Council of the City of new York (today’s City Council) was comprised of the Board of Alderman and a Board of Assistant Aldermen. The obverse bore the Seal of the City of New York (the city) and the word “POLICE.” Badges, or emblems of office, were necessary as a form of identifying individual officers, because uniforms had not yet been prescribed, adopted, or worn. The 1845 badge, made of copper, was in the form of an eight-pointed star. Ask a police historian or collector when the earliest police badge was issued in the City of New York and he/she will likely tell you that it was in 1845, for the newly created “Municipal Police, or Day and Night Watch.” Ask the police historian or collector what was used prior to 1845, and you will likely get a blank stare.
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