History

The Medal of Honour for Prison Administration was originally awarded as a Silver Medal for 25 years of faithful service, or for exceptional acts of courage while on duty. On December 31, 2003 the Medal was reorganized by the Ministry of Justice, and now has three grades. The Bronze Medal is awarded for 15 years of service, the Silver Medal is awarded for 5 years of service after receiving the Bronze Medal, and the Gold Medal is awarded for 5 years of service after receiving the Silver Medal.

The Medal was extended to administrative personnel of prisons in Algeria on May 3, 1900. The Medal was identical to the one awarded in France, but it was worn with a star and crescent moon ribbon clasp. It is uncertain when the Medal for Algeria ceased to be awarded.

The Medal is divided into Types. Type I includes the awards between 1896-2003. Type II includes the awards since 2003.

In Type II, there are three versions of the Medal which vary in engraving and inscription. The first version has an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic, Ministry of the Interior,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Honour, Discipline, Prison Administration.” The second version has an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Honour and Discipline, Prison Service.” The current version has an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Honour and Discipline, Prison Administration.”