Welcome to PatchBook
We are so glad you stopped by to visit. The California Patch Book has the most comprehensive database on California public safety emblems in the world. We are pleased to have the opportunity to share history with you.
About Us
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
It started centuries ago when the people needed to know who was there to protect them. The Romans had centurions who wore emblems to be identified. Later knights had a coat of arms to show who was underneath the armor. Eventually the English Police Bobbie was distinguished by the crest on his uniform helmet, and of course the American po
It started centuries ago when the people needed to know who was there to protect them. The Romans had centurions who wore emblems to be identified. Later knights had a coat of arms to show who was underneath the armor. Eventually the English Police Bobbie was distinguished by the crest on his uniform helmet, and of course the American policeman or sheriff wears the badge. The California Patch Book chronicles the embroidered emblems used in the Golden State by law enforcement.
Our History
Preserving the Past
Preserving the Past
What began in the 1960’s as a collecting interest turned into a catalog of a emblem collection on a personal computer. From there it grew as other collectors and historians wanted to access the database, and it now comprises over 150,000 files of history of all related public safety emblems used in California.
Get Involved
Preserving the Past
Discover History
Enter a portal into PatchBook University. Learn about the uniform emblems and badges worn by those who have dedicated their lives to serving those who needed their help, and preserving the constitutional rights of each individual in this United States. The California peace officer dates to the formation of the state in 1849 with the many
Enter a portal into PatchBook University. Learn about the uniform emblems and badges worn by those who have dedicated their lives to serving those who needed their help, and preserving the constitutional rights of each individual in this United States. The California peace officer dates to the formation of the state in 1849 with the many original county sheriffs and his deputies. Local township constables also provided policing, and eventually the city marshal protected as towns grew. Eventually police departments developed as municipalities flourished, and cars brought the highway patrol.
Discover History
The California Patch Book GROUP - Daily blog
Discover History
Experts you recognize have an interest in law enforcement emblems, and have gathered to contribute to the Patchbook University community. The combined knowledge includes professionals at the Phd level who have gathered historical information made available at your fingertips.
The California Patch Book GROUP - Daily blog
The California Patch Book GROUP - Daily blog
The California Patch Book GROUP - Daily blog
Like the chat room to find out new information and say what you think?
Want to give your opinion on the latest historical artifact to surface, or point out that fake?
Enjoy photos, videos, and stories about how emblems are made!
Want articles recounting the emblems of past and present?
Join the hundreds of group members for FREE!
The Cal
Like the chat room to find out new information and say what you think?
Want to give your opinion on the latest historical artifact to surface, or point out that fake?
Enjoy photos, videos, and stories about how emblems are made!
Want articles recounting the emblems of past and present?
Join the hundreds of group members for FREE!
The California Patch Book Group has been around since around 1995. I was disabled, and to keep busy I decided to catalog the patch collection which I had been acquiring since the mid 1960s. Personal computers were a new item then, and there were no reference books that were remotely comprehensive on California law enforcement emblems. I started building a database.
As it expanded other collectors grew interested in having a copy. I had holes in my collection, so I offered to allow them to have a copy if I could photograph their collections. That way the holes got filled. The California Patch Book was born, and placed on compact disc computer media with about 5000 digital photos.Soon the internet was made public, and public safety personnel were anxious to network using the new computer medium. Patch collecting had been a popular hobby between law enforcement. An officer from a different jurisdiction would be seeking a suspect and contact the local cop about it. After presenting credentials frequently patches would be exchanged as a symbol of professional cooperation.
The database grew and grew. By 1996 it had grown to over 25,000 digital files, and had to be moved from four cdrom media to dvd media to accommodate growth. While others would sell computer programs, I chose to license the data only and provide digital updates to subscribers. That way I could retain legal copyrights of all the original photographs I had taken. Just because a picture can be found on the internet, doesn’t mean it isn’t protected by copyright laws. In 1997 I retired from the Sheriff’s Office and became a design partner in a business which supplied law enforcement emblems to dozens of agencies. My digital database and computer graphics skills made it a perfect match, and many agencies wear my designs.The database now has over 150,000 photos of badges and patches, and other California law enforcement history for reference. Join The California Patch Book GROUP.
You can buy police history
1980s San Diego PD motorcycle unit tactical jumpsuit patch
$20.00
($1.00 shipping)
Subject to availability