Badge, Law Enforcement
Object number2011.135.6
Date1955-1989
MediumMetal, gold, chrome plating
Credit LineGift of Joseph Modispacher
DescriptionSilver-colored pressed metal police badge. Circular shield shape with belt design around the edge. Image of Pittsburgh's coat of arms at the top of the shield. Around the shield has organization name. In gold banner across the center has rank. Vertical straight pin on the back of the badge.Dimensions0.25 x 2.25 x 3.25 in. (0.6 x 5.7 x 8.3 cm)InscriptionsAround the shield reads: "PITTSBURGH POLICE".
In gold banner across the center reads: "SERGEANT".
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
On View
Not on view
1918-1958
1918-1958
c. 1958
V.H. Blackinton and Company, Inc.
V.H. Blackinton and Company, Inc.
1955-1989
