with the last award in 1960. Post-nominal letters Recipients may use the post-nominal letters QPM, KPM or KPFSM, as appropriate, although the right to use these was only granted officially on 20 July 1969. Description It is a circular silver medal, 36 mm in diameter, with the ribbon suspended from a ring. While the basic design has remained the same since 1909, there have been a number of changes. The obverse has the profile of the reigning monarch with an appropriate inscription: The reverse depicts Saint Michael, patron Saint of Police officers, holding a sword and shield at rest depicting that whilst armed and ready, he prefers peace. The exergue of the 1909 issue contains a laurel spray, but in 1933 this was replaced with the inscription For Distinguished Police Service or For Gallantry. Since 1954 the distinguished service version has the wording inscribed around the edge of the medal, with a laurel spray in the exergue, the gallantry version remaining unchanged. The name, rank and force of the recipient is inscribed on the rim of the medal. The wide ribbon was originally dark blue with a silver stripe at each edge. In 1916 an additional central silver stripe was added with, from 1933, a thin red stripe down the middle of each silver stripe for awards for gallantry. See also King’s Fire Service Medal British and Commonwealth orders and decorations Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal References External links ODM of the UK Stephen Stratford medal page Civil awards and decorations of the United Kingdom Law enforcement awards and honors Courage awards Awards established in 1909 1909 establishments in the United Kingdom