The Northern Territory Police Service Medal is recognition of 10 years continuous service with the Northern Territory Police. It should be noted that it’s 10 years consecutive service. If a police officer were to resign and re-join the NT Police the clock starts again from his reenlistment.

It should also be noted that the NT is a territory not a state, so the NT police are not bound by federal protocols for the order of medals. National medals and Territory medals can be worn together however protocol is that National medals are first, then Territory medals then interstate medals. (Defence dress code is that state and territory medals shouldn’t be worn on defence uniforms or defence functions)
A bar may be awarded after each further five-year period of service. Each bar is numbered with the years of continuous service and only one bar (or rosette in the case of ribbon bars) should be displayed at a time. It appears in recent times only the 20,30 and 40 year bars are issued however 15, 25, 35 and even 45 year bars are available and have been issued at different times. The bar represents total continuous service unlike the National medal which has an additional bar for every 10 years of service. In my 10 year friendship with police I have never seen a 45 year bar ever issued, however I have them in stock if required.

Replicas and mounting

As for all police medals they should be marked as “Replica” or “Copy” on the back. Police have very strict rules about impersonating police officers and this extends to medals and uniform accessories. Replica police medals should also only be provided to verified police officers or family and the blanks kept under lock and key.

Because the NT Police force is relatively small police force good quality replicas are hard to find. Especially for the rosettes and bars. (see illustrations below)