History

The Decoration for Long Service in the Prison Service was established by the Polish People's Republic in 1959 and was later amended in 1972, 1977, 1983, and 1985. It was awarded to officers and employees of the Polish correctional services for long and meritorious service. It was discontinued following the collapse of the communist regime, but it was officially replaced by a new decoration in 1996.

The Decoration for Long Service in the Prison Service is classified into two types based on changes to its awarding statutes. The Type I decoration was awarded in a single grade in recognition of 5 years of meritorious service, while Type II decorations were awarded in three grades. There are multiple versions of the Type II decorations that reflect changes in service requirements.

All Type II I Class Decorations feature an obverse inscription that translates to "In the Correctional Service," but only the second and third versions feature a reverse inscription that translates to "For Exemplary Service, Ministry of Justice."