The El Paso Police Department Patch

Developed by the Chamber of Commerce to promote El Paso’s image as the “Sun City,” this shoulder patch has been used by the El Paso Police Department since 1939. The Sun represents not only the City’s inviting weather but also the warmth and friendliness of its people. The original design had white lettering and omitted the word “Texas”. The patch was worn by all officers of the department until December 9, 1941. On that day, a group of somber and angry citizens denounced the patch because its design resembled that of the “Rising Sun” emblem of the Imperial Japanese forces. By that afternoon, not one patch was to be seen on a single police uniform. Sometime between 1947 and 1948, the patch was reinstated as the emblem of the Police Department. The lettering was later changed to blue and the word “Texas” added. Early law and order in El Paso was turbulent with city marshals being hired solely for their ability to shoot fast and straight. The first city marshal was appointed in 1873. Late in 1880, Marshal Dallas Stoudemire killed five men in one shoot out. During this time, the town was open to outlaws. By 1883, the city marshal’s force was expanded to five officers. The following year marked the establishment of what is now known as the El Paso Police Department, with S.W. Boring at its helm. The El Paso Police Department currently employs over 1,000 officers and 226 civilian employees who serve with pride and dedication.