Medals of the New York City Police Department
Encyclopedia
New York City Police Department
The New York City Police Department , established in 1845, is currently the largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City...
presents medal
Medal
A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,...
s to its members for meritorious service. The medals the NYPD awards are as follows (from highest medal to lowest):
Medal of Honor
(Solid green bar speckled tiny gold stars) is awarded for:- Individual acts of extraordinary bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent and personal danger to life. Specifically, the Department Medal of Honor is awarded for acts of gallantry and valor performed with knowledge of the risk involved, above and beyond the call of duty.
Police Combat Cross
(Solid green bar) is awarded for:
- Members who have successfully and intelligently performed an act of extraordinary heroism, while engaged in personal combat with an armed adversary under circumstances of imminent personal hazard to life.
Medal for Valor
(Solid blue bar) is awarded for:
- Acts of outstanding personal bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent personal hazard to life under circumstances evincing a disregard of personal consequences.
Honorable Mention
- An act of extraordinary bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent and personal danger to life.
Exceptional Merit
Awarded for:
- An act of bravery intelligently performed involving personal risk to life.
Commendation or Commendation - Integrity
- Grave personal danger in the performance of duty, OR
- A highly credible, unusual police accomplishment.
Commendation - Community Service
- An act which demonstrates devotion to a Community service.
- An idea implemented that improves conditions within a Community.
Meritorious Police Duty (MPD)
- An act of intelligent and valuable police service demonstrating special faithfulness or perseverance, OR
- Highly creditable acts of police service over a period of time.
Excellent Police Duty (EPD)
- An intelligent act materially contributing to a valuable accomplishment, OR
- Submission of a device or method adopted to increase efficiency in an administrative or tactical procedure.
(Correct view is green on the left, white on right)
The department also awards a Purple Shield
Police Purple Heart
A Law Enforcement Purple Heart is a generic term to describe a United States law enforcement medal which may be issued to any police officer who is wounded or killed in the line of duty. The term is based on the Purple Heart Medal issued by the United States armed forces.As the Police Purple Heart...
to those injured or killed in the line of duty. Various commemorative medals, unit citations, air crew wings, and a firearms proficiency breast bar for expert shooters have also been authorized.
See also
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- List of law enforcement agencies in New York
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- Thomas F. Byrnes