BADGES
The Federal Probation Act was passed in 1925. However, the first U.S. Probation badges were not issued until 1931. The design is remarkably similar to previously issued Bureau of Prohibition badges and American Protective League badges. There have been three official duty badges approved by the Probation and Pretrial Services Office (PPSO), Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AO). The system is decentralized, and the chief judge, or chief probation officer of the district approved the designs you are about to see.
Inspiration?
Possible Inspiration for our first badge. Same size and almost identical design but with a shell back.
Wikipedia: The American Protective League (1917-1919) was an organization of private citizens that worked with federal law enforcement agencies during the World War I era to identify suspected German sympathizers and to counteract the activities of radicals, anarchists, anti-war activists, and left-wing labor and political organizations.
First U.S. Probation badge
One of ten known first U.S. Probation badges. Our system was originally under the Department of Justice. This badge was likely issued September 1931. The gold finish was likely absorbed by the bronze. Smaller than modern badges and is dapped (curved) and numbered 125. The pin on the back is delicate, as used in jewelry. It measures 2 1/4" tall and 1 1/4" wide. First Museum purchase of original Badge from the collection of the late Raymond Sherrard.
One of ten known first U.S. Probation badges. This variation is flat, with a larger pin and clasp, and numbered 50. Gold plating, and no blue enameled ring. Museum purchase 2014.
One of ten known first U.S. Probation badges. Obtained by a private collector on May 25, 2007, and now in the Museum. The badge has had the enamel almost entirely chipped out. It is dapped (curved) and numbered 112. The pin on the back is delicate, as used in jewelry. It measures 2 1/4" tall and 1 1/4" wide.
One of ten known first U.S. Probation badges. This variation is dapped, or curved, with a larger pin and clasp, and numbered 24. Most of the original gold colored plating has worn off, and there is no blue enameled ring. Of the five badges in the Museum, those two numbered under 100 have no blue enameled ring. Museum purchase 2022.
One of ten first U.S. probation badges. Variation, as badge is flat, with a larger pin and clasp, and numbered 59. Some gold plating, and no blue enameled ring. Museum purchase approx. 2020.
One of ten known first U.S. Probation badges numbered 151. The badge was donated to the Chief U.S. Probation Officer in December 2016, by the former U. S. Clerk of Court, now executive director of the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Badge remains in the EDTN.
This is one of two marked example of the nine known badges: "American Emblem Co. Ithaca, N.Y." It is unknown why it is marked and the others are not. Badge remains in the EDTN.
One of ten first U.S. probation badges. Badge issued to William Foster Jordan, the longest serving Chief U.S. Probation Officer, from the Northern District of Alabama. Image courtesy PPSO and this piece is in their display, this curator assisted in assembling and provided donations, to in Washington, D.C.
One of ten known first U.S. Probation badges numbered 175. This is one of two marked examples from: "American Emblem Co. Ithaca, N.Y." It is unknown when it was made or why it is marked and the others are not. Image taken by this curator in March of 2025 at the Centennial celebration Washington, D.C. Badge is in PPSO possession.
This is one of two marked examples of the ten known badges: "American Emblem Co. Ithaca, N.Y." It is unknown why it is marked and the others are not.
One of ten first U.S. probation badges. Badge belonging to a private collector. Photo used with permission.
Recently retired Chief SDNY relates this badge is now missing. If you know its whereabouts, please contact the Museum.
The date in the article of 1927 is incorrect. In the letter to the right dated September 15, 1931, Joel R. Moore, Probation Supervisor, states:
MEMORADUM
The badges have finally arrived, and we are mighty proud of them. Yours was sent to you on the eleventh. Please advise immediately when you receive your badge. Each badge has been numbered and is registered in this office. If you should ever loose your badge, we would appreciate if you would advise us immediately.
We shall say more about these badges in the News Letter. For the present, just let me say this one thing. Be most judicious in your use of it.
Oldest Department of Justice U.S. Probation custom badge belonging to Chief U.S. Probation Officer Joseph E. Lewis (Indiana Northern). This is not the badge he would have been issued when appointed. Made by C.D. Reese, New York, the badge is customized with the Chief’s name.
USPO/DOJ badge in the New York style, marked DOJ. Hallmarked "KC," 2.75" x 2.25." It appears to be old Everson Ross badge. The attachment(s) on the back are “Lugs.” NYPD and many other NY/Manhattan departments still use them. The lugs go through big grommet holes, usually on a leather backer, and a big "diaper pin" is put through both holes. A very traditional attachment but still very popular in NY.
Back of badge showing New York style "lugs."
Raw finding (badge blank) of the same style as the USPO/DOJ badge in New York style. Raw finding manufactured by Best Stamp and Seal company, Louisville, Kentucky. Donated by a retired Jefferson County, Kentucky, police officer.
U.S. Courts/Department of Justice badge. Date unknown and unmarked. But must be after 1940. Smaller than modern, this 2½" badge is unusual due to U.S. Courts, and Department of Justice together. Found by a Baltimore Police Department officer at a collectors show at the Baltimore Convention Center. This badge has all the signs of being carried in a wallet, and the seller confirmed that is how it was carried. However, the screw and pin attachments on the back is consistent with a hat badge.
Back of badge 615. Purported to have been carried in a wallet, the green verdigris supports this theory. However, it also has the screw back and pin (although the pin is removed) to be worn on a hat. MYSTERY!
U.S. Courts/Department of Justice badge. Date unknown, and unmarked. Smaller than modern, this 2½" badge is unusual due to "U.S. Courts" and "Department of Justice" together. Similar to #615. Marked U.S. Courts, so it cannot be older than 1940.
U.S. Courts/Department of Justice badge. MATCHING #216 to the left. Obtained from an over 90-year-old collector at the time the badges cane into the Museum. He stated the badges came from the Northeast Pennsylvania area because badge designs were changed. Marked U.S. Courts, so it cannot be older than 1940.
U.S. Courts/Department of Justice badge. Date unknown, and unmarked. Smaller than modern, this 2½" badge is unusual due to U.S. Courts and Department of Justice together. The badge is alleged to have come from a probation officer at the District of Columbia's Workhouse (federal) Prison, which closed in 2001.
U.S. Probation & Parole 2 7/8" badge, gold in color, which appears to be a newer version of badge #403. Badge donated by Eastern District of New York SUSPO to whom it was issued, who is now retired.
U.S. Probation & Parole 2 7/8" badge, originally gold in color. Due to heavy wear, it appears silver. Unmarked, very thin, and the pin and catch mechanism have been removed. Badge found at a flea market by the daughter of Assistant Deputy Chief Probation Officer (Virginia Western), who donated it in 2013.
Unknown date or manufacturer, but an early style. Image courtesy of the Administrative Office of United States Courts.
Silver badge supported by PPSO which preceded the current gold badge. No hallmark. Badge donated by Chief U.S. Probation Officer, retired, Western District of Michigan.
Close up of Edmond Jones badge in a newer holder, which displays the credentials on the inside and the badge on the outer cover. Please see credential page.
Believed to be an Everson Ross badge. Donation courtesy of the Chief U.S. Probation and arranged by the Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Donation to Museum 2013.
Damaged badge covered with a hard red substance. A Museum favorite [:-)!
Silver badge supported by PPSO which preceded the current gold badge. No hallmark. Museum purchase 2013.
Unmarked badge issued in 1974. Badge belonged to a former Chief U.S. Probation Officer. Donated courtesy of Administrative Services Manager Middle District of Louisiana, 2013.
U.S. Courts Pretrial Services Officer badge supported by PPSO which preceded the current gold badge. No hallmark. Donated the Chief of the Officer Standards Branch, PPSO (retired).
Silver badge supported by the AO before the gold badge. Used in many districts. Preceded the current gold badge. No hallmark. Donated by Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer, Northern District of Mississippi.
Silver badge supported by the PPSO before the gold badge. Used in many districts. No hallmark, and no enamel in the lettering. Donated Chief of the Officer Standards Branch, PPSO (retired).
Unmarked badge issued to U.S. Probation Officer on March 4, 1974. USPO mandatorily retired on March 31, 1994. Authority for badge donation courtesy Chief U.S. Probation Officer Southern District of California (retired). Donation coordination courtesy Human Resources Manger.
U.S. Courts Probation & Parole Officer badge by Smith & Warren.
Full size 2 7/8" catalog #400, Entenmann-Rovin badge variation. Known to be used in California until the 1980’s.