History
The Australian Capital Territory has no police force of its own: since self government the AFP has provided community policing to the Territory through ACT Policing, under arrangement with the ACT Government. The ACT Community Policing Medal recognises the members who do that work, for ten years of cumulative and diligent service to the ACT community counted from 6 December 1988.
The AFP describes the medal as celebrating the often unrecognised achievements and dedication of the police who protect the community and help people in times of distress or trauma: the general duties patrols, the negotiators, the detectives and the station staff of a capital city's police. Clasps mark twenty and thirty years of service to the Territory, and for current members the medal is processed automatically once earned.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The AFP 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 ACT Policing issue: pattern as supplied.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Clasps
Longer service to the Territory is recognised by clasps worn on the ribbon.
Eligibility
The medal recognises ACT Policing members for ten years of cumulative and diligent service to the ACT community.
- Qualifying service is counted from 6 December 1988;
- Clasps are issued at twenty and thirty years of service to the ACT;
- Current AFP members are recognised automatically once eligible; former members apply through the AFP honours and awards team. 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 ACT Community Policing Medal awarded for?
Ten years of cumulative and diligent service to the ACT community by ACT Policing members, counted from 6 December 1988.
What is ACT Policing?
The AFP's community policing arm for the Australian Capital Territory, provided under arrangement with the ACT Government: the Territory has no separate police force of its own.
How are longer careers recognised?
By clasps at twenty and thirty years of service to the ACT.
Do I need to apply?
Current AFP members are recognised automatically once the criteria are met. Former members apply with the National and AFP Service Awards form through the honours and awards team.
Can it be worn with the AFP Service Medal?
Yes. The two mark different things: total AFP service, and service specifically to the ACT community. Members commonly hold both.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.