The Badge
Those who wear the badge of the Gulfport Police Department have proven through a highly-selective screening process that they deserve the honor associated with such a symbol. The men and women working in our community take great pride in this badge and all that it represents.
The overall shape remains that of a shield, but it bears a wreath representative of compassion and an eagle indicating strength and courage. The seal of the State of Florida sits amidst the blue enameled ribbons designating the wearer as a police officer, detective, sergeant, commander, or chief. The badge and all other insignia for police officers and detectives is silver. Once promoted to the rank of sergeant, the badge and insignia are colored gold.
At the bottom of the badge is the officer’s assigned number. Since the custom began in 1996, we are currently up to badge #652.
Rank
Chief
The Chief of Police is the executive director and commander of all police resources. The rank is designated with insignia consisting of three gold stars worn on the collar or shoulder epaulet.
Captain
There are two division captains who report directly to the chief of police. Either may be called upon to serve in the absence of the chief of police. The rank is designated with insignia consisting of two gold bars worn on the collar or shoulder epaulet.
Sergeant
Sergeants lead the various operational units of the police department. Four of them supervise patrol squads, and one leads the investigative unit. The rank is designated with insignia consisting of three gold chevrons worn on the uniform sleeve.
Master Police Officer
Sworn members below the rank of sergeant may be recognized as Master Police Officer upon completion of ten years of service for the Gulfport Police Department, no recent disciplinary actions, and above standard performance evaluations.
Service Medals
Listed in order of honor.
Congressional Badge of Bravery
Awarded by the U.S. Attorney General to a federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement officer nominated by his or her agency head, who:
Sustained a physical injury while
- Engaged in lawful duties,
- Performing an act characterized as bravery which put the individual at personal risk when the injury occurred; or
- While not injured, performed an act characterized as bravery that placed the individual at risk of serious physical injury or death.
Medal of Valor
Recognition by the department for an act or series of acts of bravery or valor in the face of extreme personal danger in the performance of duty. View past Medal of Valor recipients..
Officer/Employee of the Year
Designation by the department to a single individual for significant contributions to the mission of the department during the past year. View past Officer/Employee of the Year recipients..
Lifesaving Medal
Recognition for an act which is determined to have significantly contributed to saving the life of another.
Purple Heart Medal
Recognition for incurring bodily injury as a result of a hostile act by an offender. To qualify for this award, the member must be acting in the lawful performance of his or her duty, and the injury should be serious enough to warrant medical treatment.
Meritorious Service Medal
Recognition for a series of acts or continuous service that exemplifies outstanding performance of one’s duty.
Community Service Medal
Recognition for outstanding effort on the part of an employee for community service in the City of Gulfport
Commendation Medal
Recognition for an individual act that exemplifies outstanding performance of one’s duty.
Achievement Medals
Safe Driving
Recognition for 3, 5 and 10 years of driving without the occurrence of a preventable motor vehicle crash.
Advanced Education
Recognition for earning a graduate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
Bachelor's Degree
Recognition for earning a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university. Even though it is not required for selection, over one third of our officers have earned this achievement.
Military Service
Recognition for members who are currently assigned to a reserve or National Guard component of one of the armed forces, or those who have been honorably discharged from one of the armed services after completion of at least two years of service.
FBI National Academy
Recognition for completion of the FBI National Academy.
Law Enforcement Instructor
Recognition for certification by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to instruct law enforcement subjects at a certified training center.
Advanced Certification
Recognition for certification in advanced levels of proficiency, including but not limited to traffic homicide investigations, breath test operator, accreditation manager, crime prevention practitioner, or special investigations (homicide, sex crimes) as determined by the chief of police.
Field Training Officer
Recognition for certification and current serving as a field training officers or field training supervisor
Marine Patrol Officer
Recognition for certification and current & active service in marine patrol.
School Resource Officer
Recognition for certification as a School Resource Officer