History
Every police force carries a roll it wishes were shorter. The Victoria Police Star exists for the people on it: the award for employees killed or seriously injured, on or off duty, recognising in metal what the force and the state owe them. It may be conferred posthumously, presented to the families who carry the loss, and former members who meet the criteria remain eligible.
The Star is administered with the force's other honours by the Victoria Police Honours and Awards Unit, and it holds a place of its own in the force's ceremonial life, worn on the right breast among the Victoria Police awards and carried by relatives at commemorations such as National Police Remembrance Day.
Design & ribbon
The medal
Victoria Police does not publish a formal design description for the Star; 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 Star is awarded to Victoria Police employees killed or seriously injured, on or off duty.
- Awards may be made posthumously and presented to the recipient's family, and former members who meet the criteria are eligible;
- Awards are administered by the Victoria Police Honours and Awards Unit;
- The Star does not form part of the Australian honours system and carries no post-nominal. Relatives may wear a family member's medals on the right breast at commemorative events.
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 Star awarded for?
It honours Victoria Police employees killed or seriously injured, on or off duty.
Can it be awarded posthumously?
Yes. Posthumous awards are presented to the recipient's family, and many Stars are held and worn by relatives.
Are former members eligible?
Yes, where they meet the criteria.
How do families wear it?
Relatives of those awarded medals may wear them on the right breast at commemorative events such as National Police Remembrance Day.
How does it compare to the WA Police Star?
Western Australia maintains a comparable award for its officers killed or seriously injured; each force honours its own.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.