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LOS ANGELES — Displays of patriotism have a limit in what Los Angeles police officers can wear on their uniforms, and some of them aren’t happy about the restrictions. 

Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, some officers began wearing flag pins and other patriotic decorations around their badges to show support for New York City officers who died in the tragedy, as well as for the country in general. 

Recently, Deputy Chief Michael J. Bostic, who runs the Los Angeles Police Department’s human resources bureau, reminded them that only one flag lapel pin is allowed on their uniforms. It is the one containing the “DARE America” flag, which also promotes the department’s anti-drug program, Bostic said in a memo issued at the end of last month. 

“A couple of officers have been making waves about it, saying the policy has stifled their ability to display their patriotism,” Lt. Horace Frank, a police spokesman, said Monday. 

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Frank added, saying the department encourages displays of patriotism “but with the caveat that our officers be uniform in their appearance.” 

He noted that police officials have also approved an American flag decal for patrol cars and other department vehicles. 

Don Lint, director of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, said that isn’t good enough for many officers, adding at least 70 have expressed their unhappiness to him about the restrictions. 

“Officers are upset with the DARE pin because it’s promoting the program, it’s not promoting the ’United We Stand’ theme that the country is looking for right now,” Lint said. 

The union, which represents more than 8,000 officers, has ordered 10,000 American flag pins with the words “Remember 9-11” at the bottom. 

Lint said he hopes to discuss the new pins with Bostic but so far hasn’t been able to reach him.