History

The Medal for Merit in the Protection of Public Order was established by the Council of Ministers in 1971. It was awarded to Polish citizens, organisations, and institutions in recognition of distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the maintenance of public order. It was first awarded by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Minister of Internal Affairs, but it was later awarded solely by the Minister of Internal Affairs. It was permanently discontinued following the collapse of the communist regime in 1989.

The III Class Medal features initials on the reverse that stand for "Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa" (Polish People's Republic) with an additional inscription that translates to "For Merit in the Protection of Public Order."