Badge, Law Enforcement
Object number2011.135.7
Date1955-1989
MediumMetal, enamel, gold plating
Credit LineGift of Joseph Modispacher
DescriptionGold-colored pressed metal police badge. Circular shield shape with gold feather design around the edge. Image of an eagle at the top of the shield. Around the shield in blue enamel is the organization name. Stamped across center has rank. Below the shield is a banner with state abbreviation. Vertical straight pin on the back of the badge. Two parallel holes in the back of badge.Dimensions0.25 x 1.75 x 3.75 in. (0.6 x 4.4 x 9.5 cm)InscriptionsAround the shield in blue enamel reads: "BUREAU OF POLICE PITTSBURGH".
Stamped across center reads: "GRADE / DETECTIVE / II".
Below the shield is a banner that reads "PA.".
Historical NotesPart of a collection donated by Joseph Modispacher, who was the first polygraph examiner to work for the Pittsburgh Police. Before 1966, the Pittsburgh Police had used the county examiner, but in that year they decided to train their own polygraph examiner. Joseph Modispacher was a detective in the Pittsburgh Police force, he has started out as a cop in 1954 and retired around 1988. He was sent to Chicago to complete a course in polygraph examining and was the sole examiner until 1976, when two other detectives also went through the training. After he retired he continued to conduct examinations for attorneys and private clients.
Related institution
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Previous owner
Joseph E. Modispacher
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