Although cowboy hats are approved by the Fort Worth Police Department for on-duty wear, they are not part of the standard issue uniform package. Historically, FWPD officers have purchased their own cowboy hats for use while on duty. The FWPD Heritage Hat Program provides all academy graduates with new cowboy hats upon graduation. For 2025, the FWPD Heritage Hat Program anticipates providing 200 new cowboy hats to academy graduates.

The cowboy hat has been worn by police officers in Fort Worth since the department’s founding and is symbolic of Fort Worth’s western heritage and culture. The cowboy hat is also a meaningful differentiator and source of pride for the Fort Worth Police Department. Whether it is a cop crusing city streets, monitoring the highways or a mounted police unit patrolling the Stockyards, the cowboy hat is an impressive Texas icon - officers wearing cowboy hats make a lasting impression on residents and visitors alike. The cowboy hat is also functional, as it helps protect our police officers from the abundant Texas sunshine.

The FWPD Heritage Hat Program proudly supports our police officers by continuing the western traditions of our great city. Thank you for joining a great cause!