History
Federal policing lives on the edge of change: new crimes, new technologies, new tradecraft arriving faster than doctrine can follow. The AFP Commissioner's Medal for Innovation recognises the individuals who keep the force ahead of that curve, awarded for excellence in innovation aligning closely with the AFP's values and mission: the analysts, engineers, investigators and thinkers whose new methods become everyone's methods.
Awards are made through the Internal Awards Framework, announced in the Commissioner's Honours List each May and the Foundation Day Honours List each October on the nomination of serving members. Teams whose collective innovation meets the same standard are recognised by the Commissioner's Group Citation for Innovation, worn as a ribbon in an antique bronze frame.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is antique bronze, bearing an Indigenous image of the AFP platypus symbol. The reverse carries a wreath of laurel leaves.
The ribbon
Dark blue, white and light blue.
The ribbon has stripes of dark blue, white and light blue.
Eligibility
The medal recognises individuals for excellence in innovation, aligning closely with the AFP's values and mission.
- Nominations are made by serving AFP employees, with awards announced in the Commissioner's Honours List in May and the AFP Foundation Day Honours List in October;
- Collective innovation of the same standard is recognised by the Commissioner's Group Citation for Innovation;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
AFP internal and jurisdiction awards sit outside the national honours system. On AFP uniform they are worn after all the awards in the Australian Order of Wearing, in the sequence set by the AFP's own wear guide, with jurisdiction and foreign force awards following the internal awards. The force's dress instructions govern the details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Commissioner's Medal for Innovation awarded for?
Excellence in innovation, aligning closely with the AFP's values and mission: the new methods, systems and thinking that improve how the force does its work.
How does it differ from the Excellence medal?
Excellence recognises sustained mastery of the force's core business; Innovation recognises the people who change and improve that business.
What about teams?
The Commissioner's Group Citation for Innovation recognises groups whose collective innovation meets the same standard, worn as a ribbon in an antique bronze frame.
How are recipients chosen?
Serving AFP employees nominate, and awards are announced in the two AFP honours lists each year, in May and October.
Where is it worn?
Among the AFP internal awards, between the Excellence and Conspicuous Conduct medals, after all national honours.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.