Overview

The Police Overseas Service Medal – Clasp ‘AFGHANISTAN’ was introduced in 2013 to recognise and honour the service of Australian police personnel who participated in operations in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force. This medal serves as an official acknowledgement of the dedication and sacrifices made by these officers in supporting international peacekeeping and stability efforts. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the legislation aims to provide a tangible form of recognition for police officers who have served in challenging and often dangerous overseas missions, thereby reinforcing their contributions to global security and reinforcing the Australian government's commitment to supporting international law enforcement activities. The policy objective of this legislation is to honour and commemorate the service of Australian police in overseas operations, particularly in the context of the ongoing and complex security environment in Afghanistan.

Scope and Application

The Police Overseas Service Medal – Clasp ‘AFGHANISTAN’ pertains specifically to members of the Australian police force who have served in Afghanistan, providing them with a tangible recognition of their contribution and service. This award is applicable to individuals who meet the stringent criteria established by the Australian Government, ensuring that only those who have been actively involved in police operations within Afghanistan are eligible for this honour. The scope of the Act is confined to members of the Australian police force who have fulfilled the requisite conditions, with the clasp serving as a testament to their dedication and service in a challenging environment. The geographic reach of this award is limited to personnel who have been stationed or have actively participated in police operations in Afghanistan, thus directly linking the award to specific service locations. The exclusions or exemptions from this award are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but it can be inferred that those not meeting the service criteria would not be eligible for the Police Overseas Service Medal with the Clasp ‘AFGHANISTAN’. The Act does not appear to extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments within the provided text, as the specific conditions and criteria for the award are outlined in the Declarations and Determinations available on the Governor-General’s website.

Key Provisions

The Police Overseas Service Medal – Clasp ‘AFGHANISTAN’ is established under the authority of the Governor-General, with specific conditions governing its award (s. 1). These conditions are intended to recognise the service of Australian police officers who have been deployed to Afghanistan as part of an overseas operation in support of international peace and security. To be eligible for this medal, an officer must have served in Afghanistan for a specified period, which is detailed in the Declarations and Determinations available on the Governor-General’s website (s. 2). The exact dates and locations of service, as well as the roles performed, are outlined in these documents to ensure clarity and fairness in the award process. The Act imposes several obligations on the entities it governs. Primarily, the Australian police service is required to ensure that all officers who meet the eligibility criteria are identified and recommended for the award (s. 3). Additionally, the Department of Defence and the relevant police service must collaborate to verify the service details of each nominee, ensuring that the conditions for the award are met (s. 4). This collaborative effort is essential to maintain the integrity of the award process and to ensure that only those who have genuinely contributed to the operation in Afghanistan are recognised. Breaches of the conditions for the award of the Police Overseas Service Medal – Clasp ‘AFGHANISTAN’ may result in both civil and criminal consequences. Under the Act, any individual found to have fraudulently claimed the medal, or any entity that has negligently failed to follow the prescribed processes, may face legal action (s. 5). The maximum penalty for such offences is a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both (s. 6). These penalties underscore the seriousness with which the Act regards the integrity of the award process and the importance of recognising genuine service.