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The MUPD patch is unique in many ways. No other police
agency has a patch quite like ours, and for that, we are proud. Around
1970, MUPD began wearing the patch shown to the right. The MU tiger
mascot is centered within our department name, "University of Missouri
Police". The black and gold used for the banners and background
match the colors of the University. This symbolizes who our officers
are; while they identify themselves as members of the University of Missouri
Police Department, they are still Tigers at heart.
For an officer, the uniform defines the person inside.
The badge, and patch, does so even more.
At the time of the patch's creation, the nation was in
turmoil, and MU experienced the same protests, demonstrations and outcries as
seen around the country. The Vietnam War had claimed the lives of many
Americans, including some of MU's finest. MU students found themselves
among crowds of protesters and crossing campus was sometimes unsafe. It
was at this time MUPD began to function as a full police agency because of the
nearly daily necessity for intervention on behalf of students, faculty and
administrators.
During this time, the patch became a symbol of authority and
courage, and aided our officers mentally in their jobs. Imagine having the
awesome responsibility of maintaining peace in a turbulent environment while
being outnumbered by 350:1! One of their sources for strength was
knowing there were 40 more officers willing to stand tall next to them simply
because they wore the same uniform ... the same badge ... the same patch.
The same patch has withstood the test of time and can be seen
on the sleeves of all MUPD Police Officers today.
Because of the rich history behind our patch, MUPD does not
give or sell our patch to individuals or businesses. We will, however,
trade patches with other law enforcement agencies. If your agency is
interested in obtaining our patch for display within your department, please
contact:
Officer Adam Duncan
(573) 882-0942
You may also send a letter to the address above,
Attn: Crime Prevention.
Last modified: Saturday, July 29th, 2006 21:46
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