History
The SA Police Bravery Medal is South Australia Police's honour for courage in the line of duty: it is conferred on current and former members who have acted courageously and responsibly when faced with potential or actual life-threatening danger, from confrontations and rescues to the sudden moments no shift briefing can predict. The award may be made posthumously.
South Australia Police does not publish detailed public criteria for the medal; the description here reflects the award as issued. It is worn among the force's own awards, in the company of the South Australia Police Service Medal on the racks of the long serving, and the same acts may also be referred for the Australian bravery decorations through the national system.
Design & ribbon
The medal
South Australia Police 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 South Australia Police issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises members of South Australia Police who have acted courageously and responsibly in the face of potential or actual life-threatening danger.
- Current and former members are eligible, and the award may be made posthumously;
- South Australia Police does not publish detailed public criteria; the force's honours area holds the authoritative conditions;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Force and state 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 force's 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 SA Police Bravery Medal awarded for?
Courageous and responsible action by South Australia Police members in the face of potential or actual life-threatening danger.
Can it be awarded posthumously?
Yes, and former members who meet the criteria are eligible.
Why is so little published about it?
South Australia Police keeps the detailed conditions internally; the force's honours area holds the authoritative criteria.
Can the same act earn a national decoration?
Yes. Acts of bravery may also be recognised through the Australian bravery decorations awarded by the Governor-General.
How do other forces recognise the same thing?
Each jurisdiction keeps its own: the AFP Bravery Medal, Victoria's Medal for Courage and the NT Police Valour Medal among them.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.