National Police Memorial

 

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

Sergeant 3rd Class

Maurice Raymond McDIARMID

YEAR OF DEATH

30 September 1971

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 30 September 1971 Sergeant 2nd Class Riley and Senior Constable McDiarmid attended a dwelling in Mimosa Avenue Toongabbie to investigate a report that a man had shot his brother to death at that address. On arrival the Police saw the offender Clarke who quickly ran to the rear of the house. Senior Constable McDiarmid followed the offender while the Sergeant entered through the front door. As the Senior Constable entered through the back door the offender opened fire with a shotgun inflicting a fatal wound. It appears the offender then went back through the house where he also shot and killed Sergeant Riley. Although the Senior Constable was still alive when other Police arrived he died a short time later in an Ambulance on the way to hospital. The offender was shot and killed by Police the same day. Sergeant Riley was born in 1921 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 December 1945. At the time of his death he was stationed at Blacktown. He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. Sergeant McDiarmid was born in 1932 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 July 1956. At the time of his death he was stationed at Blacktown. He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class.

On this day

Sergeant 1st Class

William Watson RILEY

YEAR OF DEATH

30 September 1971

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 30 September 1971 Sergeant 2nd Class Riley and Senior Constable McDiarmid attended a dwelling in Mimosa Avenue Toongabbie to investigate a report that a man had shot his brother to death at that address. On arrival the Police saw the offender Clarke who quickly ran to the rear of the house. Senior Constable McDiarmid followed the offender while the Sergeant entered through the front door. As the Senior Constable entered through the back door the offender opened fire with a shotgun inflicting a fatal wound. It appears the offender then went back through the house where he also shot and killed Sergeant Riley. Although the Senior Constable was still alive when other Police arrived he died a short time later in an Ambulance on the way to hospital. The offender was shot and killed by Police the same day. Sergeant Riley was born in 1921 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 December 1945. At the time of his death he was stationed at Blacktown. He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. Sergeant McDiarmid was born in 1932 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 July 1956. At the time of his death he was stationed at Blacktown. He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class.

On this day

Constable

Philip CABOT

YEAR OF DEATH

30 September 1858

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

Cabot was a crew member on H.M.C.S.S. Victoria which was then under police control for administrative purposes. On 30 September 1858 whilst the vessel was at King Island he was reported as having been drowned in the execution of his duty. The exact circumstances of his death are unknown.

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Affiliated events

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 2026, services will be held on Tuesday 29 September.

Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held, or click here for more information.

National Police Memorial Australia

  • 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