January 8, 2025
The Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Police Department patch presents a blue shield with red and black borders and red lettering. Centered on the patch is a red shield displaying seven eight-pointed golden stars (etoiles). This design reflects the town’s historical seal, believed to be derived from the Portsmouth, England, Coat of Arms, which contains an etoile. It is thought the seven stars on the seal represent the signing of the Portsmouth Compact on March 7, 1638. On either side of the central shield are wheat sheeves (representing growth), and two swords are crossed behind (signifying strength and protection). Nine gold stars surmount the shield underneath a gold banner proudly displaying the name of the town.