Officers To Be Recognised After Exceptionally Long Service

IT is “absolutely right” that officers with exceptionally long service are recognised, South Yorkshire Police Federation has said, as it was announced that there will be extra bars added to the Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct.

Police officers receive the medal after 20 years’ service, and they will now have an extra bar added to the ribbon after 30 years and then 40 years’ service, thanks to work by the Police Federation of England and Wales and the Police Superintendents’ Association.

Changes have now been made to the Royal Warrant, which is dated 11 March 2022, so anyone meeting the criteria from that date will be eligible to receive the bar.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “It’s absolutely right that long service is recognised for officers. I think it’s a great thing and highlights their hard work.

“The only thing I’d say is that I worry that not many officers are going to be receiving this, not through choice, but because they’re worn out.”