History

The Decoration for Merit in Correctional Service was established by the Republic of Poland in 1996 based on the Decoration for Long Service in the Prison Service awarded in the Polish People’s Republic. It is currently awarded by the Minister of Justice to workers in the Polish correctional service for long and meritorious service and acts of bravery. It is normally awarded in the lowest grade, with promotion to the II Class Medal occurring after 3 years, and promotion to the I Class Medal occurring after an additional five years. These requirements may, however, be waived under exceptional circumstances.

The III Class Medal features an obverse inscription that can be translated to "Minister of Justice, For Merit," and a reverse inscription that can be translated to "Corrections, Labour, Education, Culture."

See also the Decoration for Long Service in the Prison Service (POL524) in the Medals & Decorations of the Polish People’s Republic (1944-1989).