The Police Badge and Motto

The badge worn by today’s Victoria Police was designed in 1946 and has seen only minor changes since then.  It consists of:

1)                 Crown

2)                 Laurel wreath

3)                 Five pointed star

4)                 Circular title band

5)                 Centre piece

6)                 Motto

1)                  The Crown

The crown is called the St Edward’s Crown and is the symbol of Royal Authority.  It indicates that the Victoria Police is part of an organisation under the control of Her Majesty, The Queen. 

2)                  2)         The Laurel Wreath

The wreath symbolises courage and valour. 

3)                  Five Pointed Star

The five points of the star are meant to symbolise the multi-directional nature of police work.  It is a simple statement saying that members of the Victoria Police are prepared to go in any direction in the execution of their duty.
 

4)                  Circular Title Band

The title band simple carries the name of the service the badge is representing.  The navy blue background represents our connection with the old London Metropolitan Police, who wore navy coloured uniforms to distinguish themselves from the military.
 

5)                  The Centre Piece

The stars located in the centre of the badge represent the Australian icon of the Southern Cross constellation.
 

6)                  The Motto

Originally, the motto of Victoria Police was the French “Tenez Le Droit”.  In 1986, this was translated to the now familiar “Uphold the Right”.