100th U. S. Probation Badge
U.S. Probation Centennial – 1925 - 2025
The Probation Act of 1925 was signed by President Calvin Coolidge on March 4. The Act not only authorized federal judges to impose a sentence of probation but created the federal probation system. United States Probation is the only known federal law enforcement agency to have serve two of our three branches of government. Service began with the Department of Justice in the Executive Branch, from 1925 to 1940; and since that time, the agency has been with the United States Courts in the Judicial Branch.
The centennial badge was inspired by a United States Penal and Correctional Institutions badge from the1920’s/1930’s art deco era. Similar eagle designs were used on many federal buildings during this era.
BADGE SYMBOLISM
The badge’s eagle shape represents pride and strength. The Second Continental Congress selected the bald eagle on June 20, 1782, to serve as America's national symbol.
The modern concept of Lady Justice is the preeminent symbol of justice in the United States. The sword on the badge is at low guard to represent protection of the public and law enforcement missions.
The badge’s blue enamel signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice, and the red enamel symbolizes hardiness and valor.
The U.S. on either side of Lady Justice symbolizes the substantial length of our service. This design has been incorporated into badges since the beginning of federal law enforcement and continues to be used today.
U.S. Penal and Correctional Institutions badge which inspired the design of the centennial badge. See more examples on the BOP page.
Initial artist sketch of Lady Justice. Scales were envisioned to be held high out of the body outline.
Initial artist sketch of Lady Justice. The sword was envisioned to be held higher than often seen to represent the protection of the public and law enforcement missions.
Initial sketch by this curator to SymbolArts design team.
Preliminary SymbolArts artwork.
Preliminary SymbolArts artwork.
Edits to preliminary SymbolArts artwork.
Edits to preliminary SymbolArts artwork.
Final artwork of centennial badge. Badge inspired by a vintage U.S. Penal and Correctional Institutions badge. Manufactured by SymbolArts, Ogden, Utah.
Original sketch of reverse coin design. The oath was used to assist a national reaffirmation of the oath at the FPPOA centennial celebration in Arlington Virginia, March 2025.
Observe and reverse of completed centennial coin.
Boxed set with custom silk-screened lid. All centennial items were only available during 2025.
Centennial badge die has been placed on permanent display in the Museum. Due to the extreme weight, it will travel with the museum only to events within driving distance. Die donated to Museum by SymbolArts 2026.
Profile of centennial die. Over 2 ¼” thick and 11 Lbs. of hardened steel. Die donated to Museum by SymbolArts 2026.
Outer badge trim tool. Measures 7 7/8“x 5 7/8” and 8 Lbs. of hardened steel. Trim tool donated to Museum by SymbolArts 2026.
Centennial badge punch tool. Three (3) Lbs. of hardened steel. Punch tool donated to Museum by SymbolArts 2026.
Straight on view of centennial badge punch tool (3 Lbs.). Punch tool donated to Museum by SymbolArts 2026.
Straight on view of centennial badge punch tool and completed centennial badge.
Centennial coin obverse and reverse dies (3.5 Lbs. each) and punch plate (3.2 Lbs.) and tool (13 oz.). Dies, punch plate and tool donated to Museum by SymbolArts 2026.
Completed centennial coin, reverse die, and punch plate.
Completed centennial coin, obverse die, and punch plate.
Centennial punch plate and tool.
Completed obverse centennial coin, punch plate and tool.
Obverse of completed centennial coin and obverse die (3.5 Lbs.).
Video of centennial stamped blank coins.
Video of centennial badge pins.
Get yours! The first and only credential patch. Leather look PVC based on a 1966 credential. After an approved donation, you will receive a Museum CRED patch. This offer is valid while supplies last and only one patch per person.