Altona Police unveil new crest design
The Altona Police Service is sporting a fresh new look with an updated design for its crests.
The change was prompted by the need to restock shoulder insignia, giving Chief Dan Defer and his team the perfect opportunity to refresh the badge and introduce a more distinct design.
“We had to reorder badges anyway, so we figured now was the time to make a change,” Defer explains.
One of the most notable features of the new design is the inclusion of the King’s Crown, symbolizing the shift from the Queen’s Crown following the change in monarchy. Additionally, a sheath of wheat represents Altona’s agricultural roots, while the provincial flag and the year the department was incorporated—1919—are displayed at the bottom.
The new insignia also departs from the squared shape that had become common in many Manitoba police departments during a trend toward uniformity in recent years.
“It was time to bring back something unique to Altona,” says Defer. “The new crest is a return to a shape and design reminiscent of our past, something that stands out and says, ‘This is us.’”
The redesign process initially saw the department given two options to pick from, but neither fully captured Defer’s vision. So he worked with the graphics team to merge elements from both, crafting a crest that balances traditional and modern elements.
The result is a badge that symbolizes the town’s history while also offering a fresh, visually striking look.
The updated design will soon be featured on new uniforms, with officers expected to begin wearing them in the coming weeks. The department’s metal badges will likely follow in the near future. Additionally, the new crest will be displayed on the upcoming police cruiser due to arrive this summer, with plans to update the other cruisers’ decals at that time.
Defer notes that the decision to overhaul the insignia was not just about aesthetics but also pride.
“It’s important for us to have something that represents Altona and our unique identity, something that sets us apart from other departments.”
While other departments in the region have yet to follow suit, Defer is hopeful that distinctive local designs will gain traction.
“We’re happy to have brought this back, and I hope it serves as a reminder of who we are and where we come from. It’s not just a new look. It’s a reflection of Altona’s history, our community, and the pride we take in serving it. This is more than a badge—it’s a symbol of who we are.”
