Police go silver and black

Police cars used to be referred to as “the black-and-white.” Now the new Arcadia police shoulder patches may be called the “black-and-silver.” Or, they may be likened to the Raiders’ silver and black, though there is no skull and crossbones on these patches.

The Arcadia Police department announced today that they are replacing their shoulder patches dominated by yellow-gold threads with a new design to the more subtle, silver and black color scheme. The last major change to the police shoulder patch came decades ago when the City of Arcadia became known as the “Community of Homes,” formerly named the “Queen City.”

The patches for all sworn and full-time members have been changed and the older style shoulder patch will be phased out for our volunteer staff in the near future.

Arcadia Police Officers have worn dark blue uniforms since late 1986 when the Department swapped out the tan uniform for a more industry standard blue. Other uniform modifications over the years have included several badge changes from the old style “eagle” badge to a more contemporary shield, as well as a centennial star badge worn in 2003.

This type of change is not done overnight. A committee of personnel representing both sworn and non-sworn members of the Department worked in excess of a year to make recommendations for both physical and policy modifications for uniforms. Uniformity, safety, cost, accessibility, and tradition were some of the many considerations made by the group and by Chief Bob Guthrie.