History

The Hong Kong Police Medal for Merit was instituted by Queen Victoria on May 3, 1862. The Medal is awarded to members of the Hong Kong Police force in 5 classes according to length and type of service. The Medal was superseded in 1937 by the Hong Kong Police Silver Medal, which in turn was only awarded to 4 recipients before it was superseded by the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1938.

The First Class award is composed of gold and features a maroon coloured ribbon. The Second Class award is composed of silver and features a yellow ribbon. The Third Class is composed of bronze and features a yellow ribbon with a black central stripe while the Fourth Class award is also bronze but features a yellow ribbon with 2 black stripes. The Fourth Class also features a distinct reverse design, with the inscription engraved above a depiction of laurel wreaths, while the other Classes feature the reverse inscription surrounded by the wreaths. The Fifth Class award was awarded to members of the police reserve and is also composed of bronze and features a green ribbon with 2 black stripes.

There are multiple versions of the Medal which differ by the obverse effigy of the reigning monarch at the time of issue. There may be additional versions of the Medal which vary by the monarch.