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

Senior Constable

Anthony CLARKE

YEAR OF DEATH

24 April 2005

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

On the evening of Saturday 23 April 2005 Senior Constable Clarke was performing routine traffic patrol duties working alone in an unmarked police car. At 10.34 p.m. he intercepted a car at Wandin driven by a 26 year old man who was alone in the vehicle. The Senior Constable issued the man with a Traffic Infringement Notice for speeding. Shortly after 1 a.m. the next morning Clarke again intercepted the man this time in Warburton Highway Launching Place and apparently wanted him to undertake a random breath test. The man apparently lost control and struggled with the officer before grabbing Clarke’s revolver. He then forced the policeman to lie on the ground before shooting him in the back of the head. Leaving the body at the side of the highway the man fled the scene in the police car still armed with the revolver. Soon after members from Clarke’s own unit located his body and a search was immediately begun. A short time later witnesses reported the police car was being driven erratically near Mt Evelyn some 25 kilometres away. Police converged on the scene. As they approached the police car a shot was heard and soon after the man’s lifeless body was located.

On this day

Mounted Constable

Eric Walter JONES

YEAR OF DEATH

24 April 1949

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Jones died from injuries he sustained after the motorcycle outfit in which he was a passenger and en route to an accident near Nuriootpa struck an embankment and overturned.

Complete Honour Roll

Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year. Click here for more information.

Please check with your state/territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 29 September, or click here for more information.