Thin Blue Line patch not permitted on Saskatoon police uniforms: report

A new report to the board that oversees Saskatoon city police says the controversial Thin Blue Line patch is not among the symbols for which an exception can be made to the police policy against unauthorized symbols on uniforms.

The report, on the agenda for the May 19 board of police commissioners meeting, examined the patch's history and symbolism.

In Canada, the patches depict a monochromatic Canadian flag with a blue line through the middle. In the United States, where the symbol originates, the patch depicts a monochromatic American flag with a single blue line.

The board requested the report in January after a discussion in response to an email from a citizen who expressed concern about the message that could be sent by on-duty officers wearing the patch.

Provincial regulations and legislation that govern officer uniform standards allow chiefs of police to authorize an officer to wear a symbol of their heritage on their uniform, or the Saskatchewan or Canadian flag.

In the report, police trace specific “blue line” symbolism to the 1950s, where it was adopted by American law enforcement to represent courage and sacrifice while protecting citizens.

It found the intent was similar to the green line for military, red line for firefighters and white line for EMS, to represent courage and sacrifice while performing daily duties.

Police found controversy over the symbol began in recent years, particularly after the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the resulting calls for police reform. According to the report, the “thin blue line” symbol has been “co-opted” by extremist groups for use in their own protests or movements.

“The high-jacking (sic) of these symbols for use other than their intended purpose is offensive to every citizen who knows their true meaning,” the report said.

Police consulted with advisory groups and received a range of responses, from support for the symbol's use to suggestions that an alternate symbol should be considered; some said they see it as a symbol “associated with bigotry, racism and hate,” the report states.