History

The Medal of Honour for National Police was created on April 3, 1903. At the time of its creation it was called the Medal of Honour for Rural and Municipal Police. On November 17, 1936 the name was changed to the Medal of Honour for French Police. Its current named was established on April 22, 1996.

It was originally awarded in one grade to police officers for exceptional acts of courage or for service of 20 years. The Medal was reorganized into two grades in 2013. The Silver Medal is now awarded for 20 years of service and the Gold Medal is awarded for 35 years of service.

The Medal was extended to police officers in Algeria on February 4, 1905. It is identical to the medal awarded in France, but it was worn with a crescent moon and star clasp. It is uncertain when this Medal for National Police in Algeria ceased to be awarded.

The Medal was divided into Types. Type I includes the awards between 1903-2013, while Type II includes the awards after 2013.

In Type I, there are three versions of the Medal which vary in engraving and composition. The first version has an obverse inscription that translates to “Municipal and Rural Police,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “French Republic, Ministry of the Interior.” The second version has an obverse inscription that translates to “French Police,” and a reverse inscription that is identical to the first version.