History

The Colonial Police Medal was instituted by King George VI by Royal Warrant on May 10, 1938, and was created to replace the African Police Medal for Meritorious Service. In 2012, its name was changed to the Overseas Territories Police Medal. The Silver Medal is awarded to members of police forces and fire brigades in British Overseas Territories in recognition of acts of gallantry during service, as well as long and meritorious service.

The Medal may be awarded multiple times to the same recipient in which case a clasp is worn on the ribbon to denote each additional award.

The Medal awarded for gallantry may also be awarded posthumously, but it has not been awarded since 1974.

There are multiple versions of the medal that differ in the obverse and reverse inscriptions and the obverse engraving. All medals are issued named, although the typeface used in the inscription has changed over time.

There may be additional versions that differ in size.