Awards are made by the Governor-General, on the nomination of the responsible minister in each state or territory, and at the federal level. Recipients of the Australian Police Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "APM".
Description
The APM is a circular, nickel-silver medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The front of the medal displays the effigy of the Sovereign on a Federation Star, superimposed over a pattern of fluted rays.
The back of the medal is inscribed with the words ‘Australian Police Medal’ and ‘For Distinguished Service’. The inscriptions are encircled by a wreath of the national floral emblem, the golden wattle.
The 32 millimetre-wide ribbon features a central vertical stripe of dark blue flanked by two white stripes.
Eligibility
The total number of awards made each year must not exceed the following quota:[4]
One medal for every 1000 members, or part of 1000 members plus one additional medal.
Must hold a commissioned officers rank.
One additional medal per calendar year for Covid-19 related work between 25 January 2020–25 January 2025.