New award for police bravery

Greg O'Connor said the first new bravery award was likely to be presented in October. Photo / Richard Robinson

Outstanding acts of police bravery are about to be honoured with a new award.

The New Zealand Police Association Bravery Award would be the first time an award had been made solely for outstanding acts of bravery, the Police Association said.

The Police Commissioner's Merit Award and the police Gold Merit Award were reserved for acts involving a high degree of physical or potentially life-threatening risk.

The first new bravery award was likely to be presented at the association's annual conference in October, association president Greg O'Connor said.

"We are introducing this award because we believe it is important to celebrate extraordinary acts of police bravery for what they are which is the ultimate expression of what is unique about police," he said.

Police officers must run towards danger while others run away, he said.

"Police officers must act to protect the safety of others, even if it requires physical confrontation or decisive action in the face of personal risk to do so."

The award was not intended to overshadow existing police awards but in time would "occupy their own unique place amongst the highest honours that can be awarded to our police officers in recognition of the courage and sacrifice they made in the line of duty".

- NZPA