History
Courage in policing was long recognised within the AFP by the Commissioner's Commendation for Brave Conduct. In 2011 the force raised that recognition to a medal: the AFP Bravery Medal, awarded to individuals who have performed in the discharge of their duty an act of bravery of a high order and placed themselves at substantial risk of personal injury. The commendation was retired the same year.
Awards are announced through the AFP's two honours lists each year, the Commissioner's Honours List in May and the Foundation Day Honours List in October, with nominations made by serving members. Collective courage has its own recognition in the Commissioner's Group Citation for Bravery, worn as a framed ribbon, with a silver numeral for any further citation.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is antique silver, featuring the Federation Star, the Australian Coat of Arms and the Crown of Saint Edward. The reverse carries a wreath of mimosa.
The ribbon
Maroon, blue and white.
The ribbon is maroon, blue and white.
Eligibility
The medal recognises individuals who have performed, in the discharge of their duty, an act of bravery of a high order.
- The act must have placed the individual at substantial risk of personal injury;
- 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;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal; a group counterpart, the Commissioner's Group Citation for Bravery, recognises collective acts.
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 AFP Bravery Medal awarded for?
An act of bravery of a high order performed in the discharge of duty, in which the individual placed themselves at substantial risk of personal injury.
When was it created?
In 2011, when it replaced the Commissioner's Commendation for Brave Conduct as the force's recognition of individual courage.
How are recipients chosen?
Serving AFP employees nominate, and awards are announced in the two AFP honours lists each year, in May and October.
What about group acts of bravery?
The Commissioner's Group Citation for Bravery recognises collective acts, worn as a ribbon in an antique silver frame, with a silver numeral for a further citation.
Can the same act earn a national decoration?
Yes. The AFP medal is internal to the force; the same act may also be recognised through the Australian bravery decorations awarded by the Governor-General.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.