Officers will now receive further recognition when they reach 30 and 40 years’ service.

New bars have been introduced on the Long Service and Good Conduct medal ribbon for officers who reach 30 and then 40 years’ service.

It’s a measure of recognition that had been asked for by officers, and taken forward by the PFEW national lead for honours and awards, John Partington alongside the Home Office and Paul Griffiths from the Police Superintendents’ Association.

The medal is initially awarded to officers when they reach 20 years’ service, but changes now made to the Royal Warrant mean that officers will receive an additional ‘bar’ when they reach 30 years’ service, and a second bar at 40 years’ service.

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."

The warrant is dated to 11 March 2022 – meaning anyone meeting the criteria from that date will be eligible.

It will be up to individual forces to decide how to administer the procedure for qualifying officers.

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.

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.”