HISTORY OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE POLICE BADGE & PATCH

The State Police has its origins in the Legislative action of 1853. At the state capitol in Stockton, California the state legislature voted to raise a Ranger Unit to chase down and capture Joaquin Murietta. Capt. Harry Love was commissioned to raise a company of Rangers. Thus begun the legend of the California Rangers and the foundation was laid for the formation of the California State Police. On March 15, 1887 the CSP was officially formed. The State Police was reorganised several times during it's history and it has had several different badge and patch styles up to its demise on.

My last visit to the California State Police Academy and Museum, was when I attended the Advanced Officers Combined Law Enforcement Training Academy, State Police Acadamy, Sacramento, California, this was about 1973. I visited the CSP Museum at that time. That was the last time I ever saw all of the CSP memrablia. I have since tried to track it down without success. Original California Ranger Badge [I still have one of the original badges]

The old California State Police Badge

The old California State Police shoulder patch. It was worn on all uniforms.

Old California State Police shield. This was the shield on my first patrol car.

When I was sworn in and issued my first badge #96, the center circle of the badge where it reads California State Police was green. These were the old badges. The old uniforms were made British green colored material, In about 1973 the State Police was re-organized and expanded. The badges, patchs, hats and uniforms were changed. The new badges were changed to a blue circle inside the badge.

The new State Police patch that we wore after the re-organization.

Woven badge patch worn on caps and jackets I wore one of these patchs on my green jump suit, that I wore during Special Operations; such as riots, strikes, special investigations, etc.

California Museum of Science and Industry (CMSI)