History
Policing the Northern Territory means working further from backup than almost anyone in Australian law enforcement: single officer stations, flooded crossings, and communities a day's drive from the nearest colleague. The NT Police Valour Medal is the force's recognition of the courage that world sometimes demands, conferred by the Commissioner of Police on members who have displayed exceptional bravery in extremely perilous circumstances, or who have acted courageously and responsibly in the face of potential or actual danger to their life.
The award may be made posthumously, and consists of a framed certificate together with the medal and bar, worn among the force's own honours rather than the national system's. As with all Territory police recognition it is administered through the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services awards program.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The force 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 Northern Territory Police issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal is conferred by the Commissioner of Police on members of the Northern Territory Police Force for exceptional bravery.
- It recognises exceptional bravery in extremely perilous circumstances, or courageous and responsible action in the face of potential or actual danger to life;
- The award may be made posthumously, and consists of a framed certificate with the medal and bar;
- 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 NT Police Valour Medal awarded for?
Exceptional bravery in extremely perilous circumstances, or courageous and responsible action in the face of potential or actual danger to life, conferred by the Commissioner of Police.
Can it be awarded posthumously?
Yes, and the award consists of a framed certificate together with the medal and bar.
Where does it sit among Territory police awards?
It leads the force's own honours, worn ahead of the NT Police Service Medal in the force's order.
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, alongside the force's own medal.
How do other forces recognise the same thing?
Each jurisdiction keeps its own bravery honour: the AFP Bravery Medal, Victoria's Medal for Courage, South Australia's Bravery Medal among them.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.