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
24 May 1979
Tasmania
Constable Pearce was a police motorcyclist stationed at Hobart. He was critically injured on Sunday 20 May 1979 when he and another police motorcyclist were involved in an accident. Both were riding police motorcycles in Patrick Street Hobart when they collided with a taxi. Constable Pearce underwent surgery for his injuries but died in Royal Hobart Hospital four days later.
On this day
24 May 1974
New South Wales
On the night of the 24 May 1974 Constable Martin was riding a Police Special Traffic Patrol solo motor cycle in Warringah Road Forestville. After stopping a motor cycle for a possible traffic breach the Constable stood on the footpath speaking to the rider and pillion passenger. As they were talking a car approached at high speed veered off the roadway and struck both Constable Martin and the pillion passenger. Both received fatal injuries. The Constable was born in 1952 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 14 February 1972. At the time of his death he was stationed at Manly.
On this day
24 May 1958
New South Wales
About 10pm on the 24 May 1958 Constable McInerney the lockup keeper at Bombala was asleep at his residence. He was awakened by the telephone and when he arose to answer the call he heard a noise coming from the street. Looking out his bedroom window he saw a disturbance in which Constable Southam and a member of the public were struggling with an offender who had been arrested for offensive behaviour. Constable McInerney quickly dressed and went to assist. When the offender was subdued he was taken into the Police Station to be charged. When he had settled down the offender had his handcuffs removed however he then attacked Constable McInerney punching him in the solar plexus. Later that night the Constable began to experience difficulty breathing and a doctor was called. Unfortunately he died before receiving medical attention. The cause of death was found to have been acute heart failure caused by an effect on his nervous system from the punch delivered by the offender. The Constable was born in 1922 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 18 October 1948. At the time of his death he was stationed at Bombala.
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