RANK INSIGNIA
Representations and descriptions of both active and inactive rank insignia worn by Chicago Police Department members.
FOUR STARS – SILVER TONE
Description: Four silver tone five-point stars with ridges to be worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Commissioner, Superintendent and Superintendent of Police
Active Service Dates: January 12, 1953 – Present
Insignia Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in diameter each star.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 5/8″ in diameter each star.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets and spaced evenly between the button and outer shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered on a horizontal line between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The leading or forward edge is 1/2″ from the front edge of the collar. The upper point of the insignia will point toward the top edge of the collar.
THREE STARS – SILVER TONE
Description: Three silver tone five-point stars with ridges to be worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: First Deputy Superintendent of Police
Active Service Dates: November 1, 1981 – December 30, 2009 and July 8, 2011 – Present
Insignia Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Rank: Assistant Superintendent of Police
Active Service Dates: January 1, 2009 – July 7, 2011
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Deputy Superintendent
Active Service Dates: January 12, 1953 – October 31, 1981
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Chief of Police, Commissioner and General Superintendent
Active Service Dates: May 26, 1855 – January 11, 1953
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in diameter each star.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 5/8″ in diameter each star.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets and spaced evenly between the button and outer shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered on a horizontal line between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The leading or forward edge is 1/2″ from the front edge of the collar. The upper point of the insignia will point toward the top edge of the collar.
TWO STARS – SILVER TONE
Description: Two silver tone five-point stars with ridges to be worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Chief
Active Service Dates: – Present
Insignia Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Rank: Deputy Superintendent
Active Service Dates: November 1, 1981 –
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Captain
Active Service Dates: May 26, 1855 – Unknown
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in diameter each star.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 5/8″ in diameter each star.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets and spaced evenly between the button and outer shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered on a horizontal line between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The leading or forward edge is 1/2″ from the front edge of the collar. The upper point of the insignia will point toward the top edge of the collar.
SINGLE STAR – SILVER TONE
Description: One silver tone five-point star with ridges to be worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Deputy Chief
Active Service Dates: Unknown – Present
Insignia Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Rank: Chief
Active Service Dates: November 15, 1979 – Unknown
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Captain
Active Service Dates: May 26, 1855 – Unknown
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in diameter each star.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 5/8″ in diameter each star.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets and spaced evenly between the button and outer shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered on a horizontal line between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The leading or forward edge is 1/2″ from the front edge of the collar. The upper point of the insignia will point toward the top edge of the collar.
SPREAD EAGLE – SILVER TONE
Description: A single silver tone spread eagle worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Assistant Deputy Superintendent – Bureau of Operational Services, Operations Command
Active Service Dates: November 15, 1979 – 2011
Insignia Status: Inactive – Retired
Rank: Chief
Active Service Dates: January 12, 1953 – November 14, 1979
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 3/4″ in height and 1 1/2″ in width from wing tip to wing tip.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 15/32″ in height and 31/32″ in width from wing tip to wing tip.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets with a space of 5/8″ between the lowest edge of the insignia and the outer shoulder seam with the beak of the eagle pointing toward the uniform front.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The bottom edge of the laurel branch will be parallel to and spaced 1/2″ from the collar front. The beak of the eagle head is to be directed towards the neck of the uniformed member.
SPREAD EAGLE – GOLD TONE
Description: A single gold tone spread eagle worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Assistant Deputy Superintendent & General Counsel to the Superintendent
Active Service Dates: November 12, 1991 – 2011
Insignia Status: Inactive – Retired
Rank: Assistant Deputy Superintendent & Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Active Service Dates: November 15, 1979 – November 11, 1991
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 3/4″ in height and 1 1/2″ in width from wing tip to wing tip.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 15/32″ in height and 31/32″ in width from wing tip to wing tip.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets with a space of 5/8″ between the lowest edge of the insignia and the outer shoulder seam with the beak of the eagle pointing toward the uniform front.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The bottom edge of the laurel branch will be parallel to and spaced 1/2″ from the collar front. The beak of the eagle head is to be directed towards the neck of the uniformed member.
OAK LEAF – SILVER TONE
Description: A single silver tone oak leaf worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Commander, Coordinator & Director
Active Service Dates: c2000’s – Present
Insignia Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Rank: Deputy Chief
Active Service Dates: November 15, 1979 – c2000’s
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Assistant Deputy Superintendent & Deputy Chief
Active Service Dates: December 31, 1960 – October 31, 1981
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Deputy Chief, Director & Supervisors
Active Service Dates: January 12, 1953 – December 30, 1960
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in diameter.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 3/4″ in diameter.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets with the bottom edge of the stem spaced 1/2″ from the shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The bottom edge of the stem will be directed toward the collar point. The leading edge of the insignia is to be 1/2″ from the front edge of the collar.
OAK LEAF – GOLD TONE
Description: A single gold tone oak leaf worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, Commander, Coordinator & Director
Active Service Dates: August 12, 1988 – c2000’s
Insignia Status: Inactive – Retired
Rank: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, Commander & Coordinator
Active Service Dates: November 1, 1981 – August 11, 1988
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, Administrator of Personnel Services, Commander, Coordinator & Director
Active Service Dates: November 15, 1979 – October 31, 1981
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Commander, Coordinator & Director
Active Service Dates: October 22, 1968 – November 14, 1979
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Commander & Director
Active Service Dates: December 5, 1963 – October 21, 1968
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Commander of the Divisions of the Bureau of Inspectional Services, Director, District Commander & Task Force Commander
Active Service Dates: December 31, 1960 – December 4, 1963
Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Supervising Captain
Active Service Dates: January 12, 1953 – December 30, 1960
Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in diameter.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 3/4″ in diameter.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets with the bottom edge of the stem spaced 1/2″ from the shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The bottom edge of the stem will be directed toward the collar point. The leading edge of the insignia is to be 1/2″ from the front edge of the collar.
CROSS – SILVER TONE
Description: A single silver tone cross worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Chaplain
Active Service Dates: September 30, 1989 – Present
Insignia Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in height and 3/4″ in width.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Not specified for this rank insignia.
Positioning of Insignia: Epaulets – Centered with the bottom edge of the cross placed towards the shoulder seam.
Collars – Centered near the collar points with the base of the cross closest to the collar point.
DOUBLE BARS – SILVER TONE
Description: Two silver tone bars worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Captain
Active Service Dates: January 12, 1953 – Present
Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in height and 1 1/8″ in width, each bar measuring 1/4″ in width. Prior to November 1, 1981, the bar was 3/8″ in width.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 7/8″ in height and 1″ in width, each bar measuring 3/16″ in width.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets with the length of the bars parallel to the shoulder seam. The longer edge of the bars will be spaced 1/2″ from the shoulder seam. Prior to November 12, 1991, the bars were spaced 5/8″ from the shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The longer edge of the bars will be spaced 1/2″ from, and parallel to, the front edge of the collar.
SINGLE BAR – SILVER TONE
Description: One silver tone bar worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Lieutenant
Active Service Dates: November 1, 1981 – Present
Insignia Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Rank: Lieutenant & Inspector
Active Service Dates: October 22, 1968 – October 31, 1981
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Rank: Lieutenant
Active Service Dates: January 12, 1953 – October 22, 1968
Insignia Status: Inactive – Repurposed
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in height and 1/4″ in width. 1″ in height and 3/8″ in width. Prior to November 1, 1981, the bar was 3/8″ in width.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 7/8″ in height and 3/16″ in width.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets with the length of the bars parallel to the shoulder seam. The longer edge of the bars will be spaced 1/2″ from the shoulder seam. Prior to November 12, 1991, the bars were spaced 5/8″ from the shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The longer edge of the bars will be spaced 1/2″ from, and parallel to, the front edge of the collar.
SINGLE BAR – GOLD TONE
Description: One gold tone bar worn on the epaulets of the outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.).
Miniature Insignia: The wearing of miniature insignia on the shirt collar has been authorized two times. The first authorization became effective on July 25, 1960 and was de-authorized effective December 31, 1960. The second authorization became effective on September 30, 1989 and is presently authorized. Miniature insignia were authorized for wear on the shirt collar and matching full-size insignia were to be worn on both the left and right epaulets of an outer garment excluding the uniform shirt.
Rank: Inspector
Active Service Dates: November 15, 1979 – October 31, 1981
Insignia Status: Inactive – Retired
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – 1″ in height and 1/4″ in width. 1″ in height and 3/8″ in width. Prior to November 1, 1981, the bar was 3/8″ in width.
Miniature Collar Insignia – 7/8″ in height and 3/16″ in width.
Positioning of Insignia: Full-Size Shoulder Insignia – Centered on the epaulets with the length of the bars parallel to the shoulder seam. The longer edge of the bars will be spaced 1/2″ from the shoulder seam. Prior to November 12, 1991, the bars were spaced 5/8″ from the shoulder seam.
Miniature Collar Insignia – Centered between the top and bottom edges of the collar. The longer edge of the bars will be spaced 1/2″ from, and parallel to, the front edge of the collar.
TRIPLE CHEVRONS
Uniform Shirt
Description: Three chevrons worn on the sleeves of the uniform shirt and outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.). A matching stacked set of three chevrons will be worn on both the left and right sleeves.
Rank: Sergeant
Active Service Dates: December 5, 1963 – Present
Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: Uniform Shirt – 3 1/4″ in height at the vertical center line and 1 7/18″ in width.
Outer Garment – 2 5/8″ in height at the vertical center line and 1 1/2″ in width.
Positioning of Insignia: Centered on the sleeve with the points of the top chevron positioned between 4 3/4″ from the shoulder seam for chevrons sewn on uniform shirts and 5 1/2″ for all other outer garments.
Outer Garment
CHEVRON OVER ROCKER
Uniform Shirt
Description: A single chevron stacked above a single rocker with the letters “FTO” positioned in the center worn on the sleeves of the uniform shirt and outer garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, etc.). A matching single chevron stacked above a single rocker with the letters “FTO” positioned in the center will be worn on both the left and right sleeves.
Rank: Field Training Officer
Active Service Dates: March 16, 1999 – Present
Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: 3 1/4″ in height and 1 1/2″ in width.
Positioning of Insignia: Centered on the sleeve with the points of the top chevron positioned between 4 3/4″ from the shoulder seam for chevrons sewn on uniform shirts and 5 1/2″ for all other outer garments.
Outer Garment
ROCKER OVER STAR
Description: A single rocker over a gold tone ball tipped five-point star with ridges worn on the wearer’s right breast of the outer most garment (e.g. Blouse, Refer, Uniform Shirt etc.).
Rank: Police Officer assigned as Patrol Specialist
Active Service Dates: January 1, 1976 – March 15, 1999
Status: Inactive – Retired
History: Beginning January 1, 1976 and ending on March 15, 1999 the Chicago Police Department utilized Patrol Specialists to train recruits once they had graduated from the Training Academy. The Patrol Specialist Badge was issued to Officers that had the responsibility to train the new recruits. The initial batch of issued badges were numbered from 1 to 200. The number was stamped in the upper point of the star on the reverse side. Currently Officers charged with this responsibility hold the rank of Police Officer assigned as Field Training Officer and wear a single chevron stacked above a single rocker with the letters “FTO” positioned in the center. This rank insignia is worn on both the left and right sleeves.
Specifications
Insignia Dimensions: 1 1/4″ in height and 1″ in width.
Positioning of Insignia: Worn on the outer uniform garment. The badge will be centered and pinned 1/4″ above the member’s nameplate. When the member is wearing their award ribbons, the badge will be positioned 1/4″ above the upper most ribbon bar.
OTHER RANKS
Ranks: Police Officer, Detective & Inspector
Status: Active – Currently Authorized
Description: This rank does not have any rank designatior assigned. The only designation for these ranks would have been a title on the police star.
Ranks: Deputy Inspector, Matron, Operator, Patrolman, Policewoman & Roundsman
Status: Inactive – Abolished
Description: These ranks did not have a rank designator assigned to them. The only designation for these ranks would have been a title on the police star.