Federal agencies including the DEA began using patches in the 1970s . There are only ten estimated federal patches , though DEA 's are most colorful . Patches feature jokes about drugs and government surveillance . Former agents say that the forces have become more politically correct .
Federal agencies including the DEA began using patches in the 1970s . There are 20,000 estimated federal patches , though DEA 's are most colorful . Patches feature jokes about drugs and government surveillance . Former agents say that the forces have become more politically correct .