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

Peter Graham John KIDD

YEAR OF DEATH

29 July 1987

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

In the early hours of 29 July 1987, police officers from the Tactical Response Group raided a house in the Brisbane suburb of Virginia to apprehend Queensland’s number one most wanted criminal. Intelligence gathered prior to the operation indicated that the offender, who had an extensive criminal history, was heavily armed and would not hesitate to shoot at police if in danger of being captured. Intelligence also indicated that the offender was about to commit further violent crimes with a high risk of loss of life or severe injury to members of the public. Senior Constable Kidd was the first member of an assault team undertaking the raid to enter the house. The team members had only their weapon-mounted torches for light. As Senior Constable Kidd approached the closed door to the main bedroom, the offender opened fire through the closed door and Senior Constable Kidd received two gunshot wounds to the chest. Despite his wounds and without regard to his own safety, Senior Constable Kidd then opened the door, entered the room and fired his weapon at the offender. Whilst doing so, Senior Constable Kidd received three more gunshot wounds and fell to the floor. The offender, who continued to fire through the doorway and severely wounded a second police officer, was shortly over powered by other team members who charged into the room. Senior Constable Kidd later died in hospital from the massive wounds he had received. Senior Constable Kidd’s actions in proceeding into the room after being shot ensured the success of the operation and almost certainly prevented a siege situation which could have resulted in further loss of life. By his actions, Senior Constable Kidd displayed exceptional bravery and was posthumously awarded the Valour Award.

On this day

Constable 1st Class

Kenneth Desmond COUSSENS

YEAR OF DEATH

29 July 1957

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

The Constable his wife Elizabeth and baby son Bruce were murdered by the offender Kelly who had placed a bomb outside the Constable’s home at Bega. Apparently the offender had become incensed at being spoken to by the Constable regarding traffic offences and on 29 July 1957 placed a metal dairy container loaded with over 200 sticks of stolen gelignite outside the front door of the Constable’s home. About 2am the offender lit the fuse to the bomb and the dwelling was almost obliterated in the resultant explosion. Constable Coussens’ stepson eight year-old Roger McCampbell survived the explosion. The offender was arrested after a major Police investigation and was later sentenced to life imprisonment. The Constable was born in 1926 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 18 October 1948. At the time of his death he was stationed at Bega.

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Affiliated events

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.

National Police Memorial Australia

  • 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