Police officers in England and Wales are presented with a Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct at 20 years’ service.

Officers had asked for recognition for those who serve for longer periods of time via an additional bar added to the medal ribbon.

John Partington, Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) national lead for honours and awards, worked actively to address this request for acknowledgement with the Home Office alongside Paul Griffiths OBE from the Police Superintendents' Association (PSA).

As a result of this work, changes have now been made to the Royal Warrant for all federated officers. This ultimately means police officers will receive an additional ‘bar’ when they reach 30 years’ service and a second bar for 40 years’ service, which is a really positive outcome for recognition.

John Partington said: “Without taking away the importance of pay, conditions of service and pensions in the current climate, it is positive to see there is now recognition from the centre for those officers who complete additional years of service in the form of this bar to the Long Service Medal."

PSA Vice President Harvi Khatkar said: “It is excellent to hear of this change to the medal system which will give deserved recognition to officers dedicating decades to policing.

“I would like to thank Paul and John for their tireless efforts in working with the Home Office on behalf of our workforce – I’m sure that every officer in receipt of the medal and long service bars will feel rightfully proud.”

Forces will decide how to administer the procedure for qualifying officers.

The warrant is dated 11 March 2022, and, as such, anyone meeting the criteria from that date will be eligible to receive the bar.

The Royal Mint is currently in the process of redesigning a number of medals to display the image of King Charles III which could lead to delay for those eligible for a bar.

PFEW Deputy National Chair Tiff Lynch said: “Credit to John for his continued work in this area. It is vital the service and dedication of police officers around the country does not go unnoticed. The work John and Paul have done to gain recognition for these officers means they will receive the recognition they duly deserve.”