The Officer's Shield and the Significance of #3100

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This is the standard NYPD officer's shield. The badge has a version of the New York City shield below two banners that read CITY OF NEW YORK POLICE. Below the seal are individually applied numbers denoting the officer's shield number. The badge is finished in a nickel/silver color. One feature that is distinctive about all NYPD badges is they do not have a traditional pin and closure at the back. The badges have two lugs on the back. The badge is secured to a badge holder with an over-sized safety pin.
You can see the two lugs in this picture of the back of an officer's shield.

The number 3100 is significant to the NYPD because that was the original phone number to reach the police department. You'd call in to the switchboard and ask to be connected to "Spring 3100." Spring 3100 is also the name of the NYPD's magazine. 

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