This was the first badge of the New York City Police Department. It was made of stamped copper and worn between 1845 and 1857. The term 'copper' and 'cop' is believed to have come from this shield.

Metropolitan Police (1857-1870). This was a white metal shield, adopted by the Metropolitan Police District and used by all the department in the system. This was the only time the city seal didn't appear on the shield.

Municipal Police (1870-1875). These white metal shields with copper numbers proved most unpopular and were recalled in 1875. They were known as the 'acorn' shield.

Municipal Police (1875-1889). A white metal design adopted to replace the previous "acorn" badge.

1889-1898. The commonly called Potsey due to it's resembling a folded tin can that the city children would use as a tossing implement in a popular sidewalk game of the same name.

1898-1902. This was the first shield of the Police Department of the City of New York after it's consolidation in 1898.

1902 to today. The shield is made of nickel silver. It is first die-struck in a drop hammer which gives it impression and then is pounded until the desired height of the characters is reached. The perimeter is embossed and the numbers and lugs are hard soldered. The badge is then dipped, cleaned, nickel-plated and polished to a high gloss.