The Chicago Police Department uniform is instantly recognizable, and a key component of this iconic attire is the shoulder patch. This patch isn’t just a piece of fabric; it’s a symbol of authority and identity, meticulously crafted to meet stringent specifications. Understanding these specifications highlights the dedication to detail and professionalism within the Chicago PD.
Material Excellence: Ensuring Durability and Integrity
The materials used in the Chicago Pd Uniform patch are carefully selected for longevity and visual appeal. The shirt and outer garment patch utilizes a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, treated with a permanent press finish, ensuring a crisp, white appearance. Specifically, Simpsons 1202, or an equivalent approved material, is mandated. The lettering and merrowed border are embroidered with Robinson-Anton Textile Company FD-3 Royal Blue dye, or a color of equal standard, guaranteeing colorfastness and uniformity across all patches.
For the blouse or reefer patch, a heavier 12 oz., 50% wool and 50% rayon white felt from Commonwealth Felt Company #650, or an approved substitute, is specified. The embroidery thread itself is viscose rayon (Schiffli), 150 denier, two-ply, with a special twist, ensuring prime quality and continuous filament. Crucially, all dyes used must be vat dyed to resist laundering and dry cleaning, preventing any color running, bleeding, or fading – vital for maintaining a sharp, professional look over time.
To ensure the patch maintains its shape and stiffness, the underside is laminated. Polyester/cotton patches require lamination with at least one layer of Crinolene (Olc) or equivalent. Heat seal laminations are explicitly disallowed. Wool/rayon patches also receive a Crinolene layer (5S% or equivalent), which can be starch/sized or laminated. This lamination process is critical to prevent puckering or bunching on the patch’s visible side, ensuring a smooth and professional presentation.
Dimensional Precision: The Octagonal Standard
The shape of the Chicago PD uniform patch is a distinctive octagon, measuring precisely 4 inches wide by 4 3/8 inches high, with a thickness of 1/16 inch. This octagonal form is created with meticulous attention to geometry. Each set of vertical and horizontal planes measures 2 3/16 inches in length. The design relies on a Cartesian coordinate system, ensuring precise angles and equal divisions. The diagonal planes of the octagon are then formed by connecting the endpoints of adjacent vertical and horizontal line segments, resulting in the patch’s unique and recognizable shape. This dimensional accuracy is not just for aesthetics; it ensures uniformity across all patches, contributing to the cohesive visual identity of the Chicago PD.
Lettering and Finish: Clear Identification and Professional Look
The lettering on the Chicago PD uniform patch is designed for clear and immediate identification. The words “CHICAGO POLICE” are positioned in an upright, centered manner above the city seal in the upper portion of the patch. Below the city seal, also centered, is the word “DEPARTMENT.” All letters are approximately 9/16 inch in height and 1/8 inch wide, ensuring legibility without overwhelming the patch design.
A 1/8 inch rolled merrowed border is stitched around the outer edge of the patch, providing a clean and finished look. A 1/4 inch overlap completes this border, with the loose ends of the stitching securely fastened to the back of the patch, maintaining a neat appearance from all angles. The final finish emphasizes professional workmanship, utilizing laser cutting to achieve the exact size and shape of the approved design, guaranteeing consistency and high quality.
Placement: Positioned for Recognition
The placement of the shoulder patch on the Chicago PD uniform is also strictly defined. It is centered on the wearer’s left sleeve, positioned 3/4 inch below the shoulder seam. The patch is sewn on with thread that closely matches the outer border color, ensuring a seamless integration with the uniform sleeve. This specific placement is crucial for ensuring the patch is prominently displayed and easily recognizable, contributing to the overall professional image of the Chicago Police Department.
In conclusion, the Chicago PD uniform patch is far more than just an emblem. It’s a carefully engineered component of the uniform, with detailed specifications for materials, dimensions, lettering, finish, and placement. These precise requirements reflect the commitment to quality, professionalism, and recognizable authority embodied by the Chicago Police Department.
