Bravery, service and remembrance
Recognising Police Officers, Staff and Volunteers
Public recognition matters because much police work is routine until, suddenly, it is not. Bravery awards, honours and commendations help record service that goes well beyond the ordinary.
Different Forms of Recognition
- King’s honours: national recognition for sustained public service and leadership.
- Force commendations: recognition for bravery, exceptional professionalism or significant achievement.
- Police bravery awards: recognition of officers who place themselves at serious personal risk.
- Oscar Kilo Awards: recognition of work improving wellbeing across UK policing.
- Elizabeth Emblem: national recognition for people who die in public service.
- Memorial recognition: permanent remembrance for officers and staff who have died in the line of duty.
Recent Examples
In June 2026 the Metropolitan Police announced that ten serving and former officers and staff had been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for service across neighbourhood policing, investigations, forensics and major operations.
Oscar Kilo’s 2026 awards focus on projects improving police wellbeing, including peer support, trauma support, occupational health, suicide prevention, family support and Operation Hampshire.
Read about the Elizabeth Emblem recognition for PC Kenneth Adams.