A large historic building with tall columns and red banners hanging from the front, surrounded by trees and located on a city street.

Centennial U. S. Probation Badge

Seal of the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Museum, featuring a shield with stars and stripes, a key, a sword, scales, and an open book with green laurel leaves.

U.S. Probation – 1925-2025

The Probation Act of 1925, 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 serve two of our three branches of government. Service began in the Department of Justice - Executive Branch, from 1925 to 1940; and since that time, the agency has been with the United States Courts - 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.

Artwork of Pretrial 35th anniversary badge. Badge inspired by a vintage Department of Defense badge. Manufactured in the USA by Smith & Warren, White Plains, NY. 

Pantograph pattern in a 4-1 scale. The pantograph machine uses this 12" pattern, which is connected to a computerized mechanical linkage connected in a manner based on parallelograms so that the movement of one pen, in tracing an image, produces identical movements on the die cutting machine. This is the first step in the die creation process.

The die after hours of hand sculpting and modelling by the die cutter.

2-D image on die created by the pantograph machine.

The commemorative 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. The hardened die weighs over 12.2 pounds.  Die donated to Museum 2018.

Completed die. Hardened steel. Weighs over 12.2 pounds.  Die donated to Museum 2018.

History of pretrial services card, obverse. This card was included with each set.

Badge symbolism card reverse. This card was included with each set.

Test badge with sandblasted background, polished highlights, and no antique treatment.  Hard to see detail. Manufactured in the USA by Smith & Warren, White Plains, NY.

Test badge with sandblasted background, polished highlights, and some antique treatment.  Hard to see detail of the eagle head and arrows. Manufactured in the USA by Smith & Warren, White Plains, NY.

Test badge with sandblasted background, polished highlights, and full antique treatment across the middle of the badge.  This was the selected finish. Full size badge 3” x 2.15”. Manufactured in the USA by Smith & Warren, White Plains, NY.

Poster designed by the Museum to promote the badge. Used at Museum display events.

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.