King's Police Medal

The original KPM, despite its name, was also be awarded to members of recognised fire brigades. It was originally intended that the medal should be awarded once a year, to no more than 120 recipients, with a maximum of: 40 from the United Kingdom and Crown dependencies; 30 from the dominions; and 50 from the Indian Empire. More could be awarded in exceptional circumstances. Those who received a further award were to wear a silver bar on the ribbon in lieu of a further issue, or a rosette where the ribbon alone was worn.[3] Initially recipients were required to have shown:

(a) Conspicuous gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals; the risks incurred to be estimated with due regard to the obligations and duties of the officer concerned.

(b) A specially distinguished record in administrative or detective service.

(c) Success in organizing Police Forces or Fire Brigades or Departments, or in maintaining their organization under special difficulties.

(d) Special services in dealing with serious or widespread outbreaks of crime or public disorder, or of fire.

(e) Valuable political and secret services.

(f) Special services to Royalty and Heads of States.

(g) Prolonged service; but only when distinguished by very exceptional ability and merit.[3]

Provision was also made for the forfeiture of the award in the event of a recipient later being convicted of a criminal offence.[3]

Minor amendments to the warrant were made on 3 October 1916.[3][6] On 1 October 1930, changes were made to the forfeiture provisions, no longer specifying grounds for forfeiture, but also allowing the medal to be restored again.[7] The 1932 New Year Honours list specified those medals awarded for gallantry.[8] On 27 December 1933, the warrant was officially amended to introduce distinctions as to whether the medal was awarded for gallantry or for distinguished service, by adding an appropriate inscription to the reverse, and adding a central red stripe to the ribbon for gallantry awards. The award criteria were changed so recipients had:

either performed acts of exceptional courage and skill or exhibited conspicuous devotion to duty; and that such award shall be made only on a recommendation ... by the Secretary of State for the Home Department.[9]

In 1936, amendments of 25 May gave greater provision for territories to opt to award their own equivalent medals.[10] Further minor amendments were made on 15 December.[11]

On 6 September 1940, the name was changed to the King's Police and Fire Services Medal to better reflect the eligibility of fire service personnel.[3][12] There was no longer any limit on the number to be awarded in one year.[3]

The last award of the medal for gallantry to a living recipient was in 1950, after which time it was awarded only posthumously.[5]

In a warrant of 19 May 1954 the current version of the medal, named the Queen's Police Medal was introduced;[13] at the same time a separate medal for the fire service was created, the Queen's Fire Service Medal.[1] It was still to be awarded for both "conspicuous devotion to duty" and "acts of exceptional courage and skill", but for the first time added a proviso to the latter limiting it to such acts "at the cost of their lives"[14] - there were only 34 such awards after 1954,[5] the last being to Stephen Tibble in 1976,[15] since which time the Queen's Gallantry Medal can also be awarded posthumously. Notable acts of gallantry in the police service normally now attract awards of the George Cross, George Medal, Queen's Gallantry Medal or the Queen's Commendation for Bravery. On 11 March 2022 the Queen approved amendments to the Royal Warrant to expressly state that members of the Special Constabulary in England and Wales were eligible for the medal, with members of the Special Constabulary in Scotland already eligible.[16]

Over time, many Commonwealth countries have created their own police medals, replacing the issue of the QPM to police in those countries. For example, Australia created the Australian Police Medal in 1986. It did not supersede the QPM which continued to be awarded to Australians until 1989. On 5 October 1992, Australian Prime Minister, Paul Keating, announced that Australia would make no further recommendations for British honours.[17] The Australian Order of Wear states that "all imperial British awards made to Australian citizens after 5 October 1992 are foreign awards and should be worn accordingly".[18]

The South Africa version was introduced in 1937, awarded on the same basis as the British medal. It had a similar design, but with differences in its inscriptions, including a bi-lingual reverse. A total of 30 medals for gallantry and 17 for distinguished service were bestowed, with the last award in 1960.[19]