Police Insignia & Order Verification Policy
Official police insignia are not ordinary decorative badges. We may require confirmation of a buyer’s permission and intended use before manufacturing a design that resembles current police identification.
Why do we verify some orders?
In England and Wales, section 90 of the Police Act 1996 addresses police impersonation, deceptive wearing and certain possession of articles of police uniform. Its definition of a uniform article includes distinctive badges and marks. Other UK jurisdictions have their own legal provisions. We use an approval process intended to reduce the risk of supplying insignia for misleading or unlawful use; we do not decide legal questions for customers.
Which designs need additional checks?
Orders may require verification where they reproduce or closely resemble a current UK force crest, badge, shoulder flash, collar or warrant number, rank or identifying back panel, or another distinctive operational marking. Verification may also be required for a high-fidelity production prop.
Generic designs that are clearly fictional, historical, commemorative or visibly different from active force identification may be considered without the same checks, although we can ask for clarification if the appearance or use raises a concern.
Who can order official insignia?
Police forces, procurement departments, authorised units and their contracted suppliers may order within the authority they hold. Special Constabulary, PCSO and cadet orders may require confirmation through the relevant force or authorised leader. Charities, welfare groups and federations using protected marks must have the relevant permission. A current officer’s personal request is not automatically sufficient to reproduce a force-owned crest without authorisation.
What proof of permission may be requested?
Depending on the design, we may request an order raised by an official procurement channel, an email or written approval from an authorised force or unit representative, a verifiable purchase order, or evidence of rights-holder permission. We may independently verify the named organisation and contact using publicly available official contact details.
We seek only evidence reasonably necessary for the check. Please do not send copies of identity documents or confidential operational records unless we specifically explain why they are needed and how they will be protected.
Film, theatre, airsoft, re-enactment and collector orders
Production companies and prop departments should explain the project and who is responsible for the costume or prop. Airsoft and re-enactment customers should choose fictional branding, historic designs or clear alterations that avoid an appearance calculated to deceive. Requests for screen-accurate or current insignia will be assessed individually; being used for entertainment does not automatically establish permission to reproduce a protected mark.
Orders we will decline
We will not knowingly produce a current UK force crest or identifying badge for an unauthorised buyer, artwork intended for police impersonation, or designs where the customer cannot establish required permission. We may also decline designs infringing intellectual-property rights or otherwise presenting a material legal or safety concern. Where possible, we can discuss a clearly fictional or otherwise compliant alternative.
What happens if verification fails?
We may pause a quotation or order while we request clarification. If we cannot resolve the concern, we may decline it and explain the reason as far as appropriate. If money has already been paid, we will address repayment or any lawful costs in accordance with the agreed contract and statutory rights; verification must not be used to avoid duties owed to customers.
How do we protect approved artwork?
Official crests, approved specifications and verification information should be handled as controlled order materials, available only to staff and suppliers who need them. We will not present customer-authorised operational insignia as an endorsement by a police force unless written permission exists. Please see our Privacy Policy and Artwork & Copyright Policy.
Legal context and contact
This policy describes our manufacturing safeguards and does not give legal advice or guarantee that a customer’s proposed use is lawful. Customers are responsible for obtaining any permissions required for their purpose. To ask about an authorised order, use our quotation page or email [SUPPORT EMAIL]. Last updated: [PUBLICATION DATE].