Victoria Police has a range of honours and awards that recognise the achievements and/or action of employees and members of the community.
These include internal, external and national awards, recognising outstanding achievements and contributions by all employees.
The awards are administered by the Victoria Police Honours and Awards Unit on behalf of the Honours and Awards Committee.
National Police Service Medal (retrospective)
The National Police Service Medal (NPSM) is awarded by the Governor General. It recognises the special status sworn police have because of their role in protecting the community.
The NPSM may be awarded to police both current and former members who have served Victoria Police or other Australian police jurisdictions for:
- a period of 15 years or
- for periods that, in total, amount to at least 15 years.
There are two qualifying groups for the NPSM:
- initial qualifying group – serving on or after 30 October, 2008
- extended qualifying group – serving on or after 14 February, 1975
Initial qualifying group
Employees and former employees in this group are being considered automatically for the NPSM.
Extended qualifying group
Former employees in this group must complete the NPSM application form which can be accessed from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website.
The issuing of the NPSM and the actual number of medals available is the responsibility of The Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat, Government House, Canberra.
External awards (in order of precedence)
Public Service Medal
The Public Service Medal (PSM) is awarded for outstanding public service, twice a year by the Governor-General.
Australian Police Medal
The Australian Police Medal (APM) recognises distinguished service by a sworn police officer and is awarded on Australia Day and Queen's Birthday each year.
Police Overseas Service Medal
The Police Overseas Service Medal (POSM) recognises service by employees of Australian police forces with international peacekeeping organisations.
Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal
The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (HOSM) honours members of recognised Australian groups that perform humanitarian service overseas in hazardous circumstances.
National Emergency Medal
The National Emergency Medal (NEM) recognises the service to others during a national emergency.
National Police Service Medal
The National Police Service Medal (NPSM) is awarded in recognition of the ethical and diligent service of police officers.
National Medal
Available to sworn police employees only, the National Medal (NM) is awarded to specified categories of employees from recognised organisations for:
- diligent service and
- good conduct over a sustained period.
It is issued for 15 years service, with a clasp issued for each additional 10 years of eligible service.
For more information on any of the awards, please visit the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website.
Victoria Police internal awards – bravery and service excellence
Valour Award
The Victoria Police Valour Award is awarded to sworn police employees for a particular incident involving an act that displayed exceptional bravery in extremely perilous circumstances.
Medal for Excellence
Awarded to an employee or employees who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to exceeding the organisational goals and priorities of Victoria Police.
Medal for Courage
Awarded to an employee or employees who have performed an act of courage in fulfilment of their duties in dangerous and volatile operational circumstances.
Medal for Merit
Awarded to an employee or employees who have demonstrated exemplary service to Victoria Police and the Victorian community.
Unit/Group Citation – Courage or Merit
Awarded as per the Medal for Courage and/or Medal for Merit criteria.
Department or Regional Commendation
A Department or Regional Commendation provides recognition of exceptional performance or service.
Divisional Commendation
A Divisional Commendation provides recognition of exceptional performance or exceptional service.
Unit or Group Commendation
A Unit or Group Commendation can be awarded at Department, Regional or Divisional level.
Members killed or seriously injured
Victoria Police Star
The Victoria Police Star is an award for employees killed or seriously injured, on or off duty.
Ethical or diligent service
Victoria Police Service Medal
The Victoria Police Service Medal (VPSM) is recognition by the Chief Commissioner of the sustained diligent and ethical service of Victoria Police employees.
A medal is issued for 10 years service, with a clasp issued for each further period of 5 years eligible service.
The VPSM is now available to former employees who left Victoria Police prior to the introduction of the VPSM on 26th February 1996.
If you are a former Victoria Police employee and feel that you meet the eligibility criteria, please look at the applicant guide before downloading and completing the nomination form:
Service
Thirty-Five Years Service Award
The 35 Years Service Award recognises employees who have an extensive and dedicated employment history with Victoria Police.
Internal awards to community members
Citizen's Commendation
A Citizen's Commendation is awarded to a community member who has performed a conspicuous act of bravery or provided exemplary service in connection with Victoria Police operations or for the community.
Company/Business Commendation
A Company/Business Commendation is awarded for performing or providing exemplary service or assistance in connection with any Victoria Police operation or for the community.
For further information on Victoria Police's internal awards, contact the Victoria Police Honours and Awards Unit at honoursawards@police.vic.gov.au.
External bravery awards
Victoria Police provides information to the Australian Bravery Decorations Council and the Royal Humane Society for consideration of recognition by those organisations.
Further information on these organisations and their awards can be found by clicking on the links below:
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