Service Badge(s)

The tradition of service stars goes back to the very early days of the Force. In May 1894, the Commissioner was given the power by the British Privy Council to award “good conduct badges”. They consisted of stars that would be issued at the end of five years of continuous service, and could be suspended or taken away in cases of misconduct.

These awards were discontinued in 1905, but they formed the basis for what is now known as Service Stars, badges that reward consistent service over a five-year period of time.

They were discontinued for a brief time in 1970, but were soon returned with an added incentive: Any member that accumulates three or more of these is eligible for a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, which commemorates twenty years of service.