In 2001, it was resolved to establish a National Police Memorial in Canberra.
The Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the advent of policing in Australia and to recognise the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits.
The $2.4million memorial was jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.
The Memorial was completed and dedicated on 29 September 2006 (National Police Remembrance Day). Following the dedication ceremony, a criteria for future inclusion of names on the National Police Memorial was agreed upon together with a National Police Memorial Co-ordination Committee.
On this day
17 December 1990
New South Wales
Constable Tickle was a member of the Police Tactical Response Group and following a barrage of ill-informed and inaccurate media attacks on the squad he tragically took his own life on 17 December 1990. The Constable was born in 1954 and joined the New South Wales Police Service on 26 June 1978. At the time of his death he was attached to the Tactical Response Group.
On this day
17 December 1920
New South Wales
On the evening of the 17 December 1920 Constable Mitchell Constable Finch and Sergeant Mackie attended a dwelling near Bowral following a report of shots being fired. On arrival they saw the body of a female lying on the floor of a front room. While Constable Finch remained at the front of the house Constable Mitchell entered via the back door followed by Sergeant Mackie. As Constable Mitchell crept along the hallway two shots were fired at him from behind a curtain inflicting fatal wounds. In the ensuing gun battle dozens of shots were exchanged between police and the offender Le Barte. Police reinforcements were then called for and a short time later the offender was arrested by Constable Eadie of Moss Vale Police. It was later found that the offender had murdered his wife prior to the arrival of police. The Constable was born in 1890 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 31 March 1911. At the time of his death he was stationed at Moss Vale.
On this day
17 December 1914
Queensland
Died after falling from his bicycle in Gympie.
Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year.
Click here for more information.
National Police Remembrance Day is an annually recognised on 29th September.
Please note for 2025, services will be held on Monday 29th September.
Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held, or click here for more information.
The National Police Memorial is located in Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Island and the National Carrillion. View in Google maps