The
Queen's Police Medal (
QPM) is awarded to police officers in the United Kingdom and
Commonwealth of Nations, for gallantry or distinguished service. Recipients may use the
post-nominal letters "QPM", although the right to use these was only granted officially on 20 July 1969. It was created on 19 May 1954, when it replaced the
King's Police and Fire Services Medal (
KPFSM), which itself replaced the
King's Police Medal (
KPM) in 1940. The KPM was introduced by a
Royal Warrant of 7 July 1909, initially inspired by the need to recognise the gallantry of the police officers involved in the
Tottenham Outrage.