Indian Police Medal

The Indian Police Medal (IPM) was an award of the British Raj presented to both European and Asian police personnel. Established in 1932, the award was presented for meritorious service and gallantry that was of a lesser degree than what was required for the King's Police Medal.

This article is about the medal awarded from 1932 to 1951. For the medal awarded from 1951, see Police Medal (India).
Indian Police Medal

Original ribbon, used for meritorious awards after 1945

Ribbon for gallantry awards 1945–1950
TypePolice decoration
Awarded forDistinguished Conduct (1932–1944)
Meritorious Service or Gallantry (1945–1950)
Presented bythe British Raj
Dominion of India
EligibilityMembers of the police forces of India
StatusNo longer awarded after 1951, replaced by Police Medal
Established23 February 1932
Order of Wear
Next (higher)Indian Order of Merit (Civil) (gallantry)[1]
Imperial Service Medal (meritorious)
Next (lower)Ceylon Police Medal for Gallantry (gallantry)[1]
Ceylon Police Medal for Merit (meritorious)
RelatedOverseas Territories Police Medal

History

It was decided that further recognition was required for the members of the police forces within India. Already eligible for the King's Police Medal, there were many acts of service and bravery notable enough for recognition, but not meeting the requirements of the King's Police Medal. On 23 February 1932, a royal warrant was promulgated establishing the Indian Police Medal. The medal was meant to recognize both acts of meritorious and noteworthy service, as well as gallantry. The medal was limited to 200 annual awards.[2] A royal warrant in 1942 allowed the Viceroy of India, in exceptional circumstances, to raise the number of awards to 250 in a year.[3] The Indian Police Medal ceased to be awarded after India became a republic. The Indian Police medal was replaced by the Police Medal which was established by the Government of India notification dated 15 March 1951.[4][5]

Appearance

The Indian Police Medal is round and made of bronze. The obverse bears the effigy of the reigning monarch. The reverse of the medal depicts a wreath around the edge, surmounted by a crown. In the middle are the words FOR GALLANTRY or FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE depending on the conditions under which the medal was awarded.[6] The first version of the medal bore the inscription FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT.[7][5]

The suspension and service ribbons of the medal are 1 3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide. It is dark blue, with silver edges and a crimson centre stripe. For gallantry awards, the blue sections are split by a thin silver stripe.[6][5]

References
  1. "No. 56878". The London Gazette (Supplement). 17 March 2003. p. 3352.
  2. "INDIAN POLICE MEDAL". The Mercury. Hobart, Tasmania. 9 June 1932. p. 2. Retrieved 14 September 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. "No. 35806". The London Gazette. 1 December 1942. p. 5229.
  4. Chande, B. (1997). The Police in India. Atlantic Publishers and Distributors. p. 518. ISBN 9788171566280.
  5. Mackay, edited by James; Mussell, John W.; News, the Editorial Team of Medal (2004). The medal yearbook 2004. Devon, UK: Token Publishing Ltd. p. 98. ISBN 9781870192620.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  6. "No. 36865". The London Gazette. 29 December 1944. p. 5963.
  7. Griffiths, Sir Percival Joseph (1971). To guard my people: the history of the Indian Police. Benn. p. 418.
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