The San Antonio Police Department today unveiled special badges that officers will wear in 2018 to commemorate the city's Tricentennial, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Instead of the traditional 'shield' shape, the commemorative badges will be circular, and will include a star, the officer's rank, and badge number.
"The badge displays the Spanish coat of arms, to acknowledge Spain's rule in America in the early 1700 and the Franciscian seal, to recognize the Franciscan missionaries who came to Texas to spread Christianity to the indigenous peoples," McManus said.
The badge also displays the image of Martin de Alarcon, the governor of the Spanish province of Tejas y Coahuila, who established the Mission de San Antonio de Valero, later the Alamo, in 1718, and is considered the founder of the city.'
McManus said the officers will purchase their badge for $79, and he stressed the project will not cost the taxpayers or the police department any money.
The design of the badge was done by the SAPD in conjunction with the Institute of Texan Cultures.
"The San Antonio Police Department will be proud to wear this badge beginning in January, as a means to participate in our city's tricentennial celebration and 300th anniversary."
McManus says the badge will be fully forensic and will be a geniune police department badge.