It has been in use longer than that, and I would never think of something that's only 15 years old as vintage. Vintage by definition in terms of worn or collectable items implies the item was at one time out of date, but in this case there no difference in one made 15 years or 15 days ago. This design was put into issue in the early 80s and is still the current issue. This patch was designed by my father, he was the Chief for over 30 years, and is still in use today.
Since some sites don't allow police items to be sold unless they are no longer issued, as is the law in many states, most sellers identify them as vintage to imply they are no longer issued. Never saw anything wrong with patches, it's badges that people get charged for violating the law. Just wants to point out that this is not what would be called vintage. Especially when it's only 15 years old and still in use.
I didn't say it was 15 years old. I said I've had it in my collection for that long. Which would imply that it is older than that. I don't intend to continue the debate