MN LEMA offers these suggestions to be used as a guide when it comes to making determinizations regarding the wearing of mourning bands within agencies.  However, final decisions about when and how to wear mourning bands are made by the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of each agency.

The mourning band is very symbolic in law enforcement and should be worn with great respect and recognition of the traditions and honor it represents.

Placement on Badges

The preferred mourning band is a solid black band that will fit tightly around the badge. For most badges, the mourning band should be worn straight across the center of the badge. For star badges, the mourning band should be worn from 11 to 5, as if looking at the face of a clock.  The width of the black band should not exceed ½ inch. Mourning bands with the thin blue line are not preferred, although not prohibited.

Circumstances Appropriate for Use
(Final decision made by Chief Law Enforcement Officer)

Mourning bands shall be worn on a law enforcement badge only in the following circumstances:

  1. Upon the line of duty death of an active law enforcement officer (LEO) in your department. The mourning band should be worn for a period of thirty days from the date of death.
  2. By all LEO in uniform or in civilian clothing while displaying a badge from the date of death and removed at the conclusion of the day of burial.
  3. National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th).
  4. The day of any memorial service your agency has honoring your department’s LEO’s who have died in the line of duty.
  5. At the direction of your sheriff, agency director or chief of police, when special circumstances dictate that a department display of official mourning is appropriate.

Mourning Band Placement on Vehicles

It is appropriate to stripe the badge(s) on an agency’s vehicles, if one is displayed, for a line of duty death. Black ½ inch electrical tape or black ½ magnets could be used. Preferred black striping is through the middle of the badge from left to right on a badge, and from 1100 to 1700 hours using a clock as a reference on a star.