The Indian Police Medal (IPM) was an award of the

British Raj The British Raj (; from Hindi ''rāj'': kingdom, realm, state, or empire) was the rule of the British Crown on the Indian subcontinent; * * it is also called Crown rule in India, * * * * or Direct rule in India, * Quote: "Mill, who was himsel ...

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 The King's Police Medal (KPM) is awarded to police in the United Kingdom for gallantry or distinguished service. It was also formerly awarded within the wider British Empire, including Commonwealth countries, most of which now have their own hono ...

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. A royal warrant in 1942 allowed the

Viceroy of India The Governor-General of India (1773–1950, from 1858 to 1947 the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, commonly shortened to Viceroy of India) was the representative of the monarch of the United Kingdom and after Indian independence in 19 ...

, in exceptional circumstances, to raise the number of awards to 250 in a year. 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.

Appearance

The Indian Police Medal is round and made of bronze. The

obverse Obverse and its opposite, reverse, refer to the two flat faces of coins and some other two-sided objects, including paper money, flags, seals, medals, drawings, old master prints and other works of art, and printed fabrics. In this usage, ''o ...

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. The first version of the medal bore the inscription ''FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT''. The suspension and

service ribbon A medal ribbon, service ribbon or ribbon bar is a small ribbon, mounted on a small metal bar equipped with an attaching device, which is generally issued for wear in place of a medal when it is not appropriate to wear the actual medal. Each cou ...

s of the medal are 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.

References

{{Decorations of the United Kingdom Courage awards Orders, decorations, and medals of British India Civil awards and decorations of India Law enforcement awards and honors Awards established in 1932 1932 establishments in India History of law enforcement in India Awards disestablished in 1951 1951 disestablishments in India