During the following years, Akron continued to grow as it added additional land and annexed several smaller surrounding towns. Eventually, Akron became a large and diverse city, no longer dependent on the canals for the majority of its commerce.

Over a brief period of time starting in the late 1890's, the fledgling rubber industry grew to Akron's major industry, resulting in Akron being called the "Rubber Capital of the World." That industry has, starting in the mid 1960's, gradually moved out of Akron and has been replaced by service and high-tech industries.

The Akron Police Department, as it exists today, was created by the Akron City Council in 1898. Prior to 1898, Akron used a variety of people to keep the peace. In the early to mid 1800's, Akron hired night watchmen to patrol the city.

When the need came for around-the-clock law enforcement, police marshals were hired. Next came elected City Marshals who appointed police officers to patrol the city and then, in 1898, a formal city police department was created.

POLICE UNIFORM HISTORY
Just as the type of law enforcement officers varied, so did the type of uniform they wore. The uniform changed from a simple badge pinned to a shirt, to a uniform coat that looked more like a sack with brass buttons, and finally to a formal police uniform made from navy blue wool, high collared with shiny brass buttons and a "Bobby" style hat. It was the typical 1898 police uniform.

That uniform has continued to evolve through the years and today the members of the Akron Police Department wear the latest in high-tech uniforms that provide both protection and comfort for the officers.

SHOULDER PATCH HISTORY
Shoulder patches were not worn as part of the Akron Police uniform until the 1930's, and then only to designate a special group such as the Traffic Bureau motorcycle officers who wore a "Flying Wheel" insignia on one sleeve. This changed a few years later when the first Akron Police patch was issued. It was nothing more than a piece of navy blue cloth cut in the rough shape of an eagle on top of a badge with "Akron Police" and the outline of the patch done in yellow thread. It was worn on the left shoulder of the uniform shirt. Other patches were designed and worn over the years that followed (several historic patches and badges make up the graphic at the top of this page).

In 1966, the current patch was designed as a part of a complete changeover to all new uniforms. The patch as designed is done full Swiss embroidery with a traditional badge shape surmounted by the American eagle. The circle surrounding the State of Ohio seal represents a white-sidewall tire to honor Akron as the "Rubber Capital of the World."

PATCH COLLECTORS
The Akron Police Department is proud to be an active patch collector participant. In order to receive a patch through our patch exchange program, you must be law enforcement personnel. Only one patch per person.

TO RECEIVE A PATCH
Email us your name, rank, agency name, and return address.
(OR)
Write to us at:
Office of the Chief
Akron Police Department
217 S. High St.
Akron, OH 44308