Do Retired Police Officers Keep Their Badges and Certification Cards?

Ex-police officers often retain their badges and certification cards as a symbol of their service, even after officially retiring from the force. This article explores the practices of various police departments regarding badge and certification card retention and discusses the personal and professional reasons behind this tradition.

Personal Retention and Significance

According to a retired police officer who served in his department until around 1981, the transition from a badge to a photo ID was a lengthy process. The badge, often referred to as a star due to its distinctive shape, was the primary form of identification before the adoption of photo ID cards. However, even in the modern era, many retired officers choose to keep their badges and certification cards as a nostalgic reminder of their time in service.

Retirement Protocol and ID Changes: When an officer retires, the process typically involves a ceremonial handing over of some personal gear, such as a helmet and gas mask, at the equipment and supply department. The officer then proceeds to the main headquarters to complete the necessary forms and receive a new ID card that clearly marks their retirement date. For personalized touch, some officers choose to have a new retired badge and wallet made, ensuring that the old star fits perfectly in the new accessory.

Retention Practices in Different Departments

While the exact practices can vary between departments, many follow a similar standard procedure. For instance, this ex-cop notes that their department issued both the original badge and commission card to the officer immediately upon retirement. Similarly, other officers have reported the same treatment, with the majority, if not all departments, providing retired officers with their original badges and certificates as a gesture of respect and remembrance for their service.

Personal Reasons for Keeping Badges and Cards

Keeping a badge and a certification card carries sentimental and practical value. Retired officers often value these items for personal reasons. The badge not only serves as a tangible reminder of past accomplishments but also as a symbol of their commitment and dedication to public service.

The provided photo on the retired badge can stand as a younger version of the officer, thus appearing more youthful than a driver's license photo. For instance, the officer mentioned keeping their old badge as it had a photo from around their tenth year in service and fewer wrinkles than their current driver's license. This personal touch makes the badge even more meaningful as a keepsake.

Professional Implications and Personal Sentiment

Beyond the personal significance, having a professional badge and certification card can still provide some practical advantages for retired officers, particularly regarding the carrying of a firearm. Many states and territories recognize the retired officer’s ID card issued by their department, allowing them to carry a concealed firearm year-round as long as they maintain regular recertification and compliance with local laws.

Conclusion

For retired police officers, their badges and certification cards are more than just pieces of paper. They are symbols of their dedication, service, and the legacy they have established. Whether out of sentiment or practical reasoning, many retired officers continue to carry their badges and cards, ensuring that their professional identity and dedication are never forgotten.

Note: The practices and policies discussed herein are general observations and may vary across different departments and jurisdictions.