History
No Australian police force wore the pandemic like Western Australia's. The State's response ran through its police: border checkpoints and quarantine operations, compliance patrols and emergency coordination, sustained across the long months of the hard border. The WA Police Force COVID-19 Response Service Medal recognises the service of eligible sworn officers and police staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The design says it plainly: a world map with Western Australia highlighted, symbolising the global pandemic and the State's emergency response, struck with an antique silver finish, and the ribbon's colours carry symbolism assigned by the force. Awards are made in nomination rounds administered by the Honours and Awards Unit, with rounds continuing for those yet to be recognised.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal, finished in antique silver, features a world map with Western Australia highlighted, symbolising the global pandemic and the State's emergency response.
The ribbon
The current WA Police Force issue.
The ribbon's colours carry meanings assigned by the force; the pattern supplied is the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises the service of eligible sworn officers and police staff of the WA Police Force throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Awards are made through nomination rounds administered by the WA Police Force Honours and Awards Unit;
- Both sworn officers and police staff are eligible where the criteria are met;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
WA Police Force 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 WA Police Force 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 WA Police Force COVID-19 Response Service Medal awarded for?
The service of eligible sworn officers and police staff of the WA Police Force throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who is eligible?
Both sworn officers and police staff, where the eligibility criteria are met, through nomination rounds run by the force's Honours and Awards Unit.
What does the design show?
A world map with Western Australia highlighted, symbolising the global pandemic and the State's emergency response, in an antique silver finish.
How does it relate to the National Emergency Medal?
The National Emergency Medal is a national honour for declared emergencies; this medal is the WA Police Force's own recognition of its pandemic service, and the two serve different systems.
Are nominations still open?
The force has run continuing nomination rounds; check with the Honours and Awards Unit for the current status.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.