History
Many Western Australian police careers begin before the academy: as a cadet, learning the force from inside while too young to swear the oath. The WA Police Force Cadet Medal recognises the employees who took that path and saw it through, honouring their commitment to joining the force as police officers.
The medal is earned in stages: a minimum of six months of service as a cadet, then successful completion of the recruit course and the probation period, sealed by permanent appointment to the rank of Constable. Only then does the cadet time count in metal, which makes the medal as much a record of follow-through as of beginnings. Former members who meet the criteria apply through the force's Honours and Awards Unit.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The WA Police Force does not publish a formal design description for the medal; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current WA Police Force issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises employees committed to joining the WA Police Force as police officers through the cadet pathway.
- Eligibility requires a minimum of six months of service as a cadet, together with successful completion of the recruit course and probation period and permanent appointment to the rank of Constable;
- Former members who meet the criteria apply through the WA Police Force Honours and Awards Unit;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
WA Police Force awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in the force's own order, with the WA Police Force dress policy governing their placement. On civilian racks they are mounted as a distinct group apart from the official awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the WA Police Force Cadet Medal awarded for?
Service as a WA Police Force cadet, a minimum of six months, followed by successful completion of the recruit course and probation and permanent appointment to the rank of Constable.
Why does appointment as Constable matter?
The medal recognises commitment to joining the force as a police officer, so the cadet service only qualifies once the career it promised has actually begun.
Are former members eligible?
Yes, where they meet the criteria, by application through the force's Honours and Awards Unit.
Where does it sit on a rack?
Among the WA Police Force awards, after the Aboriginal Service Medal and before the COVID-19 Response Service Medal in the force's order.
Do other forces have an equivalent?
Cadet recognition varies by jurisdiction; this medal is Western Australia's own.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.