More than 160 police officers are being recognised for their ethical and diligent service at special ceremonies across the State.

Police Commissioner Darren Hine paid tribute to the recipients, saying that a total of 45 police officers would receive the Commissioner’s Medal and 14 Department of Police and Emergency Management staff would be presented with the Commissioner’s Awards at four ceremonies in Hobart, Burnie and Launceston.

“These medals and awards are issued to members who have demonstrated a consistently high standard of work performance, along with demonstration of unequivocally high standards of personal and professional conduct,” Mr Hine said.

“The awards relate to a term of 10 years of service, and further clasps and awards are issued for additional 10 years of service thereafter.

“These awards are a chance for me to say thank you for the work that our police officers and State service employees do.  Without them, the Department would not be what it is today.”

Other awards to be presented include the National Medal, which was first instituted in 1975 and recognises long and diligent service by members of the recognised organisations that help the community during times of crisis. It’s Australia’s most awarded civilian medal.

The first clasp to the National Medal is given for completion of 25 years’ service. Further clasps are awarded for each additional 10 years’ service.

The National Police Service Medal, which acknowledges the special status that police officers have because of their role protecting the community, will be awarded to police officers who have performed 15 years of diligent and ethical policing service.

Hobart(2 ceremonies):

• 93 medals and awards to 72 different recipients
• 11 Commissioner’s Awards (state service)
• 26 Commissioner’s Medals or clasps

Burnie: 56 medals and awards to 46 different recipients

• 3 Commissioner’s Awards
• 7 Commissioner’s Medals or clasps

Launceston: 51 medals and awards to 43 different recipients

• 12 Commissioner’s medals or clasps

Ceremonies will be held at the Burnie Arts & Function Centre at 2pm today and at the Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre, University of Tasmania in Launceston at 10am on Wednesday.