Due to overwhelming requests for departmental patches over the Internet, we can only exchange patches with officers or other agencies on a one for one basis. Only after receiving a written request on departmental letterhead or officer business card and a patch from your department will we meet this request.
Another option is to save a copy of the patch provided on this page to view or print.
The information below was taken from the Virginia State Police website. To learn more click here.
The patch design consists of the obverse of the Great Seal of Virginia. This seal also is included in the design of the State flag, adopted in 1930.
The central figure of the Great Seal depicts the Roman goddess Virtus dressed as an Amazon. The Amazons were a mythical race of warrior women who fought against men and who inhabited Southern Europe. She personifies enduring patience in trials, constancy under stress, resolution, unfailing exertion, and dedication to the Commonwealth of Virginia. By attitude, Virtus is at peace and intends to stay at peace. Although warfare may be over, she is prepared to stamp out any tyrant or form of tyranny.
The spear is held point down to indicate she is temporarily through with using it. Her helmet is pushed back to clear the face. In her left hand is a sheathed parazonium, a short Greek sword which is considered more a badge of honor than a weapon.
With head proudly erect and face upright, Virtus rests her left foot on the prostrate male figure who personifies tyranny. The crown which has fallen from his head originally symbolized freedom from Britain and the oppression of the Crown, the sundered chains freedom from Britain’s restrictions, and the scourge under the figure’s left hand freedom from Britain’s punitive measures such as the Intolerable Acts which were instrumental in provoking the Revolution.
Thus, Virginia personified stands as the victor over oppression, dedicated to service with firm patience and ever willing to fight tyranny should it become necessary.