Fort Collins Police Services Unveils Updated Shoulder Patch Design

Fort Collins Police Services introduced a refreshed shoulder patch design October 11 that maintains the department's visual identity while incorporating updated elements inspired by an officer within the agency.

The new patch represents a refinement of the existing design rather than a complete overhaul, according to the department's social media announcement. The updated insignia continues to feature local landmarks and symbols that connect the department to the Fort Collins community.

"This refreshed design was inspired by one of our very own officers, and it reflects the integrity, pride, and professionalism that define who we are," the department stated.

The patches will be distributed gradually as officers receive new uniforms through the regular replacement cycle. Fort Collins Police emphasized that the department's mission and values remain unchanged despite the visual update.

Design Maintains Local Geographic Identity

Fort Collins Police patches have consistently incorporated distinctive Northern Colorado landmarks since the department began using standardized shoulder insignia in the mid-20th century. The current design features Horsetooth Rock, a prominent geological formation visible from throughout Larimer County, along with stylized representations of the Cache la Poudre River Valley.

The department's most recent major patch redesign occurred in 2017 as part of a comprehensive rebranding initiative that aligned police visual identity with updated City of Fort Collins branding standards. That update introduced cleaner lines, bold typography, and a color palette matching citywide design guidelines while retaining core local symbols.

Previous patch designs dating to the late 1960s featured mountain silhouettes and geographic references specific to Fort Collins, distinguishing the department's insignia from other Colorado law enforcement agencies. The earliest documented Fort Collins police patch appeared in the late 1960s or early 1970s, replacing generic law enforcement insignia used during the department's early decades.

Regional Departments Maintain Distinct Local Symbols

Neighboring police departments in Larimer and Weld Counties similarly incorporate unique local imagery into their shoulder patches to reflect community identity and geographic heritage.

Loveland Police Department features a heart symbol referencing the city's "Sweetheart City" nickname alongside Front Range mountain silhouettes. Greeley Police Department's patch depicts an oil derrick acknowledging the city's petroleum heritage, combined with agricultural fields and the Poudre River. Windsor Police uses imagery of the historic Windsor Milling and Elevator Company, while Longmont Police features Longs Peak with a sunrise motif.

Most regional police agencies update patch designs approximately every 20 to 30 years, typically during comprehensive rebranding efforts or significant municipal anniversaries. Minor stylistic refinements occur more frequently to modernize typography or adjust color schemes while preserving core symbolic elements.

Uniform Updates Follow City Procurement Standards

Changes to Fort Collins Police uniform elements require approval through multiple administrative channels under city governance policies. The process begins with proposals from police command staff and proceeds through internal department review before submission to the City Manager's Office.

When patch designs constitute branding elements, the city's Communications and Public Involvement Office provides formal consultation on colors, logos and messaging to ensure consistency with municipal standards. Budget proposals must detail costs for patch manufacturing, uniform replacement, and administrative updates.

For a department the size of Fort Collins Police Services, which employs approximately 220 sworn officers, uniform element changes typically cost between $10,000 and $40,000 depending on scope and whether additional garment updates are required. Expenditures exceeding $60,000 trigger competitive bidding requirements under Fort Collins procurement code.

The department did not disclose specific details about the design changes in the October 11 announcement or provide timeline estimates for complete patch distribution across all personnel.

Fort Collins Police Services was established as the office of Town Marshal before transitioning to a police department in 1925. The agency currently serves the city's population of approximately 170,000 residents.