Australian Police Medal Explained

Australian Police Medal
Presenter:	Australia
Type:	Medal
Eligibility:	members of an Australian Police Force
Awarded For:	distinguished service
Status:	Currently awarded
Post-Nominals:	APM
Established:	3 March 1986
Firstawarded:	1986 Australia Day Honours
Lastawarded:	2024 King's Birthday Honours
Total Awarded:	2,220^[1]
Precedence Label:	Order of Wear
Higher:	Public Service Medal (PSM)
Lower:	Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)

The Australian Police Medal (APM) is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.^[2] The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial King’s Police Medal for Gallantry and King’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.^[3]

Awards are made by the Governor-General, on the nomination of the responsible minister in each state or territory, and at the federal level. Recipients of the Australian Police Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "APM".

Description

• The APM is a circular, nickel-silver medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The front of the medal displays the effigy of the Sovereign on a Federation Star, superimposed over a pattern of fluted rays.
• The back of the medal is inscribed with the words ‘Australian Police Medal’ and ‘For Distinguished Service’. The inscriptions are encircled by a wreath of the national floral emblem, the golden wattle.
• The 32 millimetre-wide ribbon features a central vertical stripe of dark blue flanked by two white stripes.

Eligibility

The total number of awards made each year must not exceed the following quota:^[4]

• One medal for every 1000 members, or part of 1000 members plus one additional medal.
• Must hold a commissioned officers rank.
• One additional medal per calendar year for Covid-19 related work between 25 January 2020–25 January 2025.

See also

• Australian Honours Order of Precedence

References

• It's an Honour Australian Government website

Notes and References

1. Book: Governor-General Annual Report 2022-23 . 6 October 2023 . Governor General of Australia . 28 November 2023.
2. Web site: Australian Police Medal . Australian Honours and Awards . Governor General of Australia . 3 December 2023.
3. Book: Meritorious Awards Booklet . Governor General of Australia . 38 . Fifth . 3 December 2023.
4. Web site: Australian Police Medal Regulations – 2021. . gg.gov.au . Governor General of Australia . 3 December 2023.