Sheriff's Badges

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    We see them in nearly all westerns, they are usually the symbol of the 'good guy' but that tin star the sheriffs badge is worthy of discussion as my inquisitive mind has come up with some questions ?? :teeth_smile:


    When were they 1st used ? How many different types were there? different designs etc?


    The history of the sheriff's badge seems interesting, so if any members know more about them I would like to read their posts :wink_smile:


    Regards


    John

    Chester


    I hope Bill see's this thread and posts some photos/info on his collection


    Sounds very interesting


    Thanks


    John

    The First Police Badge


    Some historians speculate that the first police badge ever issued was done so in or about 1845 in London, England where the first police department was established.
    Incidentally, the first police badges were made of copper, and many believe that "copper" became a nickname for police officers, and, ultimately, it was shortened to cops.
    Police Badges Today


    Today, police badges come in all shapes and sizes. Some departments' identities are associated with their badge like the classic NYPD detective badge or the ovalish LAPD patrol officer badge.

    Hi JohnC


    That was interesting to learn where the term coppers came from. I believe peeler's originates from the fact that the Metropolitan police was formed by Robert Peel, his name is also attributed to why police are sometimes called Bobbies.


    However do you know why the police are also called "The Old Bill" and "Pigs"?


    :agent:

    Hi Robbie


    I will have to look deeper into the term 'Old Bill', my initial thought would be associated with the Crown Court named the 'Old Bailey'


    But that is a guess at the moment


    Regards


    John

    Robbie


    I found this explanation for the term 'Old Bill'


    [FONT=Geneva,Arial,sans-serif]The police were named the Old Bill after the act of parliament that empowered them. Apparently, pre-uniform, they were required to show their credentials in order to make arrests etc. So they all carried around a copy of the act of parliament.[/FONT]