AFP logo at EBB Canberra

Ceremonial events

Recognising and honouring the commitments made by our members

We recognise, celebrate and honour the achievements and commitments made by members of the AFP. Our Ceremonial and Protocol Team is involved in various police and community ceremonial activities, including:

Our Ceremonial and Protocol Officers (CAPO) and AFP Pipes and Drums provide support at these activities and events. The AFP's CAPO network comprises of volunteer members across Australia, including police officers and protective service officers.

National Police Remembrance Day

National Police Remembrance Day honours and remembers Australian policemen and policewomen killed on duty or as a result of their duties.

Held each year on 29 September, current and former members of Australian police forces and the general public are welcome to attend National Police Remembrance Day services.

The National Police Memorial website outlines the services in state and territory capitals and regional centres across Australia.

Award and medal presentations

Each year we conduct presentations to acknowledge the valuable contribution of AFP members. These are held across Australian and overseas.

Family members of recipients may be invited to attend these presentations. This enables us to recognise the support that families provide our members.

Awards and medals are presented at:

  • investitures - celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals recognised through our Honours and Awards system.
  • musters - conducted by regional offices with National Managers, Assistant Commissioners or the ACT Chief Police Officer.

Former members should contact Honours-Awards@afp.gov.au to provide an address for medals or awards to be posted to.

Repatriations and funerals

AFP members frequently risk their own lives in community policing roles and police operations in Australia and overseas. The loss of a member is felt deeply, not only by family and friends, but also our members.

We coordinate the ceremonial components of repatriations and funerals for AFP members. This is undertaken by our dedicated CAPO network to ensure dignity and respect to fallen colleagues.

The name of each AFP member killed in the line of duty is recorded in an honour roll in Canberra at the:

AFP Pipes and Drums

Our Pipes and Drums is a volunteer group of musicians from the Canberra City Pipes and Drums (CCPD). They perform at a wide range of public and ceremonial events in support of our activities.

The band has performed for audiences across Australia and overseas, including:

  • Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland
  • International Police Tattoo, Adelaide
  • Kremlin Zoria, Moscow
  • Basel Tattoo, Switzerland
  • special guest appearances with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra.

If you would like to join our band, email ceremonial-protocol@afp.gov.au

Get in touch

AFP Ceremonial and Protocol

Australian Federal Police
Ceremonial and Protocol team
GPO Box 401
Canberra ACT 2601