Baltimore Police Department
Departmental
Commendations
MEDAL OF HONOR
The Medal of Honor is awarded by the Police Commissioner to members who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry
and courage at the risk of their own lives, above and beyond the call of duty, in an extraordinary act of heroism and bravery
without endangering or jeopardizing the lives of others and without detriment in any way to their sworn oath. A member must
perform an act so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes superlative courage, beyond the call of duty, from lesser forms
of bravery. The Medal of Honor, when awarded posthumously, shall be affixed to a plaque with a replica of the member's badge
and an appropriate inscription. This plaque shall be presented to the deceased member's next of kin by the Police Commissioner
or his designee. A plaque of similar design shall be displayed in the Departmental Memorial Shrine located in the lobby of
the Headquarters Building.
CITATION OF VALOR
Sworn members who have sustained gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or serious injury under aggravated and hostile
circumstances which could result in death or permanent disability while acting in their official capacity are eligible for
this award. Authority for the issuance of the Citation of Valor lies solely with the Police Commissioner.
Subsequent
Citations of Valor will be indicated by displaying a gold star, point of star up, in the center of the ribbon.
LEGION OF MERIT
Awarded by the Police Commissioner to members who have distinguished themselves and the Baltimore Police Department through
conspicuously outstanding accomplishments in law enforcement. This award may be given for exceptionally meritorious conduct
in the performance of outstanding service in a law enforcement agency. This activity must be beneficial to and acknowledged
by law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions and so conspicuously outstanding in achievement to impact upon future endeavors
in the field of law enforcement.
BRONZE STAR
Awarded by the Police Commissioner to sworn members who distinguish themselves by displaying exceptionally meritorious
service to the department and to the community. The sworn member must have displayed abilities and exercised judgment well
above the expected standard and thereby contributed materially to the success of a major mission, investigation or endeavor.
It may be awarded for an act involving personal danger under aggravated or hostile circumstances and for protecting or saving
the life of another.
Subsequent Bronze Stars shall be indicated by displaying a gold numeral in the center of the
ribbon in the place of the star.
SILVER STAR
Awarded by the Police Commissioner for an exceptional act or execution of duty performed in the presence of great danger
and personal risk without endangering or jeopardizing the lives of others, and performed in such a manner as to clearly indicate
that the sworn member displayed outstanding ability and judgment in the performance of duty. This exceptional performance
of duty should have resulted in the prevention or solution of a crime, the arrest of those responsible, and thereby sets apart
and distinguishes the member from other members. To merit this award the act must be heroic, but not to the degree justifying
the Medal of Honor. This award shall not be granted for arrests resulting solely from information of an informant.
Subsequent
awards of the Silver Star shall be indicated by displaying a silver numeral in the center of the ribbon in the place of the
middle silver star.
LIFE SAVING AWARD
Awarded by the Police Commissioner to sworn members who save the life of another person by decisive action. Situations
include: CPR, Heimlich Maneuver; prompt application of first aid in potentially fatal situation; and any other act that saves
a life and is not strictly a police related function.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Awarded by the Police Commissioner to members who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service. The
Distinguished Service Award may be awarded to sworn and civilian members who have displayed their abilities well above the
expected standards reflecting technical or administrative achievement or exceptional leadership in achieving a specific goal,
objective or innovation. It distinguishes the individual's performance which is identifiable in achievement, effect or consequence.
UNIT CITATION
Any bureau, division, district, section, subdivision, unit or squad of members of the department is eligible for this award.
The Unit Citation is awarded by the District Commander /Commanding Officer (or designee) to commend extraordinary law enforcement
performance, attention to duty, contribution to this agency or to the general welfare of the citizens of the City of Baltimore.
The criteria for the awarding of this recognition is the same as that for the "Commendation" when a group effort is recognized.
The mutual and full participation of all unit members in the cited activity must be explained in detail in order to be considered
for this unit distinction.
COMMENDATION
To merit this award, the act of service must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected. It
must be sufficient to distinguish the individual member above those of comparable position and responsibility and reflect
a highly credible accomplishment.
The award may be given for submitting an adopted suggestion which constitutes
a definite contribution to the department, such as, invention or innovation resulting in an improved design, procedure, organization
or Relating to crime prevention or crime resistance. It may be awarded when members have displayed extraordinary intelligence,
coverage and ability in effecting arrests, preventing a crime or solving a case.
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