RANK INSIGNIA

Checkerboard Band

Representations and descriptions of both active and inactive rank insignia worn by Chicago Police Department members.

FOUR STARS – SILVER TONE


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


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


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


Single Stars - 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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Sergeant - Uniform Shirt

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.

Sergeant - Outer Garment

Outer Garment

CHEVRON OVER ROCKER


Field Training Officer - Uniform Shirt

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.

Field Training Officer - Outer Garment

Outer Garment

ROCKER OVER STAR


Patrol Specialist Badge

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.