History

The New Zealand Police Medal was instituted in 1886 and awarded to sworn police staff of the New Zealand Police for 14 years of service. Personnel of the New Zealand Prison Services were also eligible for the award. The Silver Medal was made obsolete in 1976 following the introduction of the New Zealand Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

In 1919 clasps were introduced for award with the Medal to denote an additional 8 years of service. In 1963, the qualifying period for the award of a clasp was reduced to 7 years of service.

The Medal features an obverse design identical to the New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal. The Medal was issued with a ring suspension bar until 1919 but thereafter featured a bar suspension.