There were two variations of this door seal used by the Department. From approximately 1959 until 1972, the background of this door seal was silver. From 1972 until 1990, the background was gold.
Patches are one of the most recognizable attributes of a peace officer's uniform. Santa Clara County has had only two known patches worn by it's regular Deputy Sheriff's.
The current style patch was introduced in 1950. Besides differences in loom runs, the style has not changed since it's introduction. The patch is a shield, with a gold border and blue twill background.
This patch was worn from the 1940's until 1950. Before that, no known patch was worn by Department members. The patch is a half moon, with a straight edge bottom.
The members of the Santa Clara County Search and Rescue Unit wear two different patches. On one shoulder they wear the regular Sheriff's Office patch and on the other, they wear the SAR patch.
NOTE: Reserve Deputy Sheriffs currently wear the same patches and uniforms as regular Deputy Sheriffs. This patch was worn by Reserve Deputy Sheriff's from the early 1980's to 1989.
With a completely different look, this patch was worn from the 1950's to 1960. The patch was shaped with a half moon top, met with 45 degree angles from the straight edge bottom.
A run of only 100 of these patches was made. They were first introduced in October of 1958. The patch is a shield shape, with a green twill background and gold twill boarder.
NOTE: The Sheriff's Office no longer has an Explorer Post. They do have a Youth Cadet program however. Youth Cadets wear regular S/O patches on the sleeves of a white uniform shirt and green pants.
The first patch was of the same design and color scheme, with "EXPLORER" embroidered along the top, with "SANTA CLARA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT." (sic) below the State Seal.
This was the only patch worn by Cadets. It is of identical design to that of the Reserve patch used during the 1970's. The only difference is "CADET" rather than "RESERVE" is embroidered in the silver ribbon.
This door seal was the first used by the Department. It was used from 1953 until 1959. No known insignia was used on Department vehicles prior to that date.