The Iowa State University Police Department (ISUPD) changed its patch to enhance the “one university concept” envisioned by former Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen.
Planning for the new patch design began in July, and ISUPD said they wanted to incorporate the darker colors of law enforcement with the gold and red of the university. ISUPD fully transitioned patches Jan. 1.
“Part of our goal is to move forward and build community and to show that we are a part of the community by wearing the institutional brand and displaying it, it cannot be mistaken that we are a part of the university and it is important for the students, staff and faculty to know that we are a team and are a part of the brand of ISU,” ISUPD Chief Michael Newton said. “This is all for brand consistency. We are all here to serve and be a part of Iowa State.”
The old campus police patch had the words “Ames, IA” on it, in font larger than the font used for Iowa State University. As a result, residents were confused about which officers were Ames PD and which officers were ISUPD. The new patch says Ames with the trademark “I-State” logo.
The previous patch has been in commission since 2003, and some officers felt a strong connection to it.
“I was hired with that badge, so it felt very fundamental to me, however, this new badge will better reflect our goal of making sure everyone is happy, healthy and safe here,” Natasha Greene, engagement and inclusion officer, said.
There has been a lot of support for the new patch transition. The department hopes that this will foster a stronger relationship with the community.
“We strive to be community-oriented and to build relationships with the community,” Newton said. “What better way to show that we care deeply about this institution than by wearing the brand everyday.”
Each officer wears two patches on their uniform shirt, and patches also appear on hats, event gear and merchandise. A few thousand patches needed to be switched over. In addition to switching patches on uniforms, the ISUPD is working on switching the patch painted on the squad cars. Newton says that they had funds set aside, and that patches do not cost very much when bought in bulk. The whole transition cost “around a couple thousand dollars.”
For more information on the ISUPD, visit the Iowa State webpage.
