History
Victoria Police has honoured bravery since 1899 through its Valour Award, the oldest police bravery honour in the country, reserved for exceptional bravery in extremely perilous circumstances. The Medal for Courage sits beneath that rare summit as the force's recognition of the courage its members show far more often: it is awarded to an employee or employees who have performed an act of courage in fulfilment of their duties in dangerous and volatile operational circumstances.
The awards are administered by the Victoria Police Honours and Awards Unit on behalf of the force's Honours and Awards Committee, and courage shown collectively can be recognised through the force's unit and group citations on the same criteria. Where an act reaches beyond the force's own standards, Victoria Police also refers cases to the Australian Bravery Decorations Council and the Royal Humane Society for national and civil recognition.
Design & ribbon
The medal
Victoria Police 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 Victoria Police issue: pattern as supplied.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded to an employee or employees of Victoria Police who have performed an act of courage in fulfilment of their duties in dangerous and volatile operational circumstances.
- Awards are administered by the Victoria Police Honours and Awards Unit on behalf of the Honours and Awards Committee;
- Collective acts meeting the same criteria may be recognised by a unit or group citation;
- The medal does not form part of the Australian honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Victoria Police awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. On uniform they are worn on the right breast in the force's own order, separate from the national honours worn on the left, as directed by the Victoria Police Ceremonial Manual. On civilian racks they are mounted as a separate right side group.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Victoria Police Medal for Courage awarded for?
An act of courage performed in fulfilment of duty in dangerous and volatile operational circumstances.
How does it relate to the Valour Award?
The Valour Award, dating from 1899, is the force's highest bravery honour, for exceptional bravery in extremely perilous circumstances. The Medal for Courage recognises courage below that rare threshold.
Can the same act earn a national decoration?
Yes. Victoria Police provides information to the Australian Bravery Decorations Council and the Royal Humane Society, so an act may also be recognised nationally.
What about acts by a team?
Unit and group citations recognise collective courage or merit on the same criteria as the individual medals.
How is it worn?
On the right breast in the force's own order, separate from the national honours worn on the left, as directed by the Victoria Police Ceremonial Manual.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.