Portuguese Police Heraldry

[Marcus Karlsson]

I have already shown the Arms of the Superior Institute of Police Sience and Internal Security. But it should beknown that other Portuguese Police Units also has heraldic Arms.


General Direction of the Public Security Police (PSP Policia de Segurança Pública).


Practical Police School, with the Special Portuguese Police Crown.

[Marcus Karlsson]

Intervention Corps of the PSP, which acts as Riot Police. The Corps is also tasked with protecting Important Installation and combating organized crime.


Special Operations Group.


The above mentioned Units from part of the Special Police Unit. Which has the Arms shown above.

[Marcus Karlsson]

Azores Regional Command. The Hawk symbolises the meaning of the name Azores = Hawk Islands. The Waves symbolises the Sea and the nine Stars the nine Islands of the Azores. The Arms was approved 16 September 1986.


Madeira Regional Command. The Waves denote the Atlantic Ocean where Madeira is situated. The Cross of the Order of Christ symbolises the Island of Madeira and that Orders role in the colonization of Madeira. The Water Wheels denote speed. The Arms was approved 26 July 1983.


Faro District Command. The Ships denotes the Explorers that sailed from Sagres in the District. The Halfmoons denotes the Moors that once ruled the Area and the Wavy base the Sea. Approved 15 July 1983.

[Marcus Karlsson]

Beja District Command. The Tower symbolises eternal watchfullness. Approved 16 November 1982.


Evora District Command. The Pilars denote the ancient Temple in Evora. This was dedicated to the Godess of Hunting Diana, which is symbolised by the Stag's head. The Wall symbolises the many walled Cities in the Area. Approved 14 June 1983.


Portoalegre District Command. The Cross denotes the connection of the Area with first the Knights Templar and then the Order of Malta. Approved 23 February 1983.

[Marcus Karlsson]

Setúbal District Command. The Cross of Santiago symbolises the Order of Santiago and its historical importance in the Area. The Escallop denotes the location by the Sea. Approved 29 January 1982.


Santarém District Command. The Waves symbolises the River Tejo and the Colour Green denotes the fields of Ribatejo. Approved 15 September 1982.


Leiria District Command. The Fleur de Lys symbolises the City of Leiria and the River Liz. Approved 16 September 1982.

[Marcus Karlsson]

Braga District Command. The Crosses denotes the Temporal and Spiritual Powers. The Lion symbolises the first King of Portugal D. Afonso Henriques and the struggle against the Moors. Approved 31 October 1983.


Bragança District Command. The Saltire symbolises the monument Pelourinho and the Castle the City of Bragança. Approved 7 July 1983.


Castelo Branco District Command. The Castle is canting Castelo Branco = White Castle. The Stars denotes snow crystals a feature of the Area in the Winters. Approved 3 February 1983.


Coimbra District Command. The Roses symbolises the City's Patron Queen Sta. Isabel. The Cross is a Symbol of Portugal and stand for the Time when Coimbra was Capital of Portugal 1139-1260. The Arms was approved 14 June 1983.

[Marcus Karlsson]

Aveiro District Command. The Eagle symbolises the City of Aveiro and the Waves the Sea. Approved 27 September 1982.


Guarda District Command. The Dog's head symbolises the local Dog breed and the Mountain Tops the Rocky nature of the Area. Approved 6 October 1983.


Viana do Castelo Distict Command. The Fortification symbolises the City of Viana do Castelo. The Griffin symbolises vigilance, the Staff held by it symbolises Authority and the Pergament the Laws the Police is set to defend. Approved 18 August 1982.

[Marcus Karlsson]

Vila Real District Command. The Portcullis symbolises the Gates to the City of Vila Real. The Towers symbolises Security and Protection. Approved 20 June 1983.


Viseu District Command. The Three Shields symbolises the Painter Vasco Fernandes known as "Grão Vasco" of local fame. The Trees symbolises the local Woods and the Hunting Horn the conquering of Miragia by D. Ramiro. The Arms was approved 18 February 1983.

[JMcMillan]

Clearly these are not the emblazonments done in the 1980s. Are they newer official drawings? (I hope not.)

[Marcus Karlsson]

These are indeed newer drawings of the official Arms approved in the 1980ies. Done by one PJPita on Wikimedia Commons.