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Patches and Collectibles

The Columbus Police Department does not distribute patches or other collectible items. We appreciate your interest, but the number of requests for patches and other items far exceed our resources. The graphic to the right is a representation of the Department's current patch style.

Patch Symbolism

The top portion of the distinctive shoulder insignia of the Columbus Nebraska Police Department is emblazoned with a bold royal blue and white “POLICE”.

The center of the patch features a distinct golden eight point “compass rose” which pays tribute to Christopher Columbus as a navigator. This feature is also symbolic of the North Star (Polaris) guiding the Santa Maria, depicted below it, in its journey to the “New World”. Polaris, which was used to aid in navigation by sailors, is part of the constellation of “The Little Dipper” (Ursa Minor). Polaris is symbolic of reliability and trustworthiness. The constellation “The Little Dipper” is made up of seven stars. The seven stars on the patch represent the seven stars of “The Little Dipper”.

At the base of the patch is the number 1865. This is the year in which the city of Columbus, NE was incorporated.

“LIBERTAS IN LEGE” (LIBERTY IN LAW), the motto of the Columbus, NE Police Department, is set in a circular piece below a banner displaying “COLUMBUS NEBRASKA”. The circle is symbolic of continuity and an un-ending commitment. "Liberty In Law" is a phrase from the second verse of the song America the Beautiful. Liberty In Law is the idea that true freedom does not exist apart from Law and rights as enacted by the Creator.