History

The African Police Medal for Meritorious Service was instituted on July 14, 1995. The Silver Medal was awarded to non-European Non-commissioned Officers and personnel of the colonial police forces in East and West Africa. The Medal recognized individual acts of gallantry as well as distinguished, meritorious, and long service. To be eligible for the award, recipients must have provided 15 years or more of service. The Medal was superseded by the Colonial Police Medal in 1938.

There are 3 different versions of the Medal which vary by the obverse effigy of the reigning monarch at the time of issue.