History
Policing's hardest work is often its longest: the investigation that runs for years, the operation that demands the same excellence every day under conditions that wear most people down. The AFP recognised such service through the Commissioner's Commendation for Conspicuous Conduct until 2017, when the recognition was raised to a medal: the Commissioner's Medal for Conspicuous Conduct, for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to duty in circumstances demanding tenacity of a high order.
Awards are announced through the AFP's honours lists in May and October, on the nomination of serving members. A group counterpart, the Commissioner's Group Citation for Conspicuous Conduct, recognises teams whose collective dedication met the same standard, worn as a framed ribbon with a silver numeral for any further citation.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is antique silver, featuring the AFP platypus symbol and the Federation Star. The reverse carries a wreath of laurel leaves.
The ribbon
Dark blue with white stripes.
The ribbon is dark blue with white stripes.
Eligibility
The medal recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to duty in circumstances demanding tenacity of a high order.
- 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 dedication of the same standard is recognised by the Commissioner's Group Citation for Conspicuous Conduct;
- 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 Conspicuous Conduct awarded for?
Outstanding dedication to duty in circumstances demanding tenacity of a high order: the sustained persistence behind long and demanding policing work.
When was it created?
In 2017, when it replaced the Commissioner's Commendation for Conspicuous Conduct.
How does it differ from the AFP Bravery Medal?
The Bravery Medal recognises an act of courage at substantial personal risk; this medal recognises sustained dedication where the demand is tenacity rather than a single moment of danger.
What about teams?
The Commissioner's Group Citation for Conspicuous Conduct recognises collective dedication of the same standard, worn as a framed ribbon with a silver numeral for a further citation.
How are recipients chosen?
Serving AFP employees nominate, and awards are announced in the two AFP honours lists each year, in May and October.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.