Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (COM)

Context

Established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in October 2000, the Order of Merit of the Police Forces honours the leadership and exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Police Services, and recognizes their commitment to this country. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing, and community development. His Majesty King Charles III is the Order’s Sovereign, the Governor General is its Chancellor and the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is its Principal Commander.

Eligibility and criteria

The Commander of the Order of Merit recognizes outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility over an extended period, usually at the national or international level.

This honour is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.

Description

The insignia of the order is a blue-enameled, straight-end cross pattée (four arms, narrow at the centre and expanding towards the ends). The badge is edged in gold and bears a red maple leaf in its center, on a white background, surrounded by an annulus enameled red which bears the inscription "MERIT-MERITE-CANADA" in gold, the annulus being surmounted by the Royal Crown enameled in full colours. The reverse is plain with the exception of an inventory number. The Commander's insignia has a small link at the top, to which is attached a larger ring, and the ribbon passes through this for wearing around the neck.

The ribbon of the Order is 38 mm wide and consists of three equal bands of blue, gold, and blue.

Bar(s)

There is no bar to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, but one can be promoted within the Order.

Wearing

The insignia of Commander shall be worn following the Commander of the Order of Military Merit in the sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner: worn around the neck, suspended from the ribbon described above.

Post-nominals

Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters “COM”.

Historical notes

As of 2015, 22 Canadians have been appointed Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.