History
Before 1986 the distinguished service of Australian police was recognised through the Imperial system, by the King's and Queen's Police Medals for Gallantry and for Distinguished Service. The Australian Police Medal was created in 1986 as the distinctly Australian replacement, giving special recognition to members of Australian police forces for distinguished service in the work of policing, particularly where that work has been inherently more hazardous than most occupations.
The medal is tightly rationed: the annual quota allows one medal for every thousand members, or part thereof, of each Commonwealth, state and territory police force, plus one additional award, and a person may receive it only once. Awards are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the responsible ministers and announced in the Australia Day and King's Birthday honours lists.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Australian Police Medal is a circular nickel-silver medal ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward, the obverse bearing the Sovereign's effigy over the Federation Star on a field of fluted rays. The reverse is inscribed Australian Police Medal and For Distinguished Service, encircled by a wreath of golden wattle.
The ribbon
Dark blue at the centre between white, the traditional police colours.
The 32 millimetre ribbon has a central vertical stripe of dark blue flanked by two white stripes, the colours traditionally associated with police and police awards.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the responsible Commonwealth, state and territory ministers, for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.
- The annual quota is one medal for every 1,000 members, or part of 1,000 members, of each police force, plus one additional award;
- Awards are announced in the honours lists each January and June, and only one award may be made to an individual;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal APM.
Order of wear
The medal is worn among the Australian distinguished service medals for the police, fire, ambulance, emergency and correctional services, after the decorations and before the Imperial gallantry medals. The precise neighbours should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Australian Police Medal awarded for?
Distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force, particularly service in the primary work of policing where the work has been inherently more hazardous than most occupations.
How are recipients chosen?
Each jurisdiction nominates through its responsible minister, and the Governor-General makes the awards, announced in the Australia Day and King's Birthday honours lists.
How many are awarded?
No more than one medal for every 1,000 members, or part thereof, of each police force per year, plus one additional award. A person may receive the medal only once.
What did it replace?
The Imperial King's and Queen's Police Medals for Gallantry and for Distinguished Service, which recognised Australian police before the Australian honours system matured.
How does it relate to the National Police Service Medal?
The National Police Service Medal recognises 15 years of ethical and diligent service by any sworn officer; the APM is a distinguished service award held by a small fraction of each force.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes: APM.