Activity: National Police Memorial Critical Analysis

Setting the scene

In 2001, the Australasian Police Minister’ Council resolved that a National Police Memorial be established in the nation’s capital as a collaborative effort between the Australian Federal Police, state and territory police jurisdictions and Australia’s police associations through the Police Federation of Australia.

Following this resolution, a Steering Committee was established which brought the project to fruition, overseeing every aspect, from site selection to design and construction. The Committee’s efforts have resulted in a memorial of which they, the policing community and all Australians can be justly proud.

What to do

• Become familiar with the National Police Memorial situated in Kings Park, Canberra.
• Critically analyse the memorial, its role, function and commemorative purpose.
• Describe, in detail, the physical appearance of the National Police Memorial.

Answer the following questions:

• What does this memorial commemorate?
• What is the memorial’s role and function?
• Do people have the opportunity to connect and find solace when visiting the memorial?
• Why is this memorial located in the national capital of Australia?
• Is it appropriate to build a national memorial in Canberra?
• How has the memorial affected the surrounding environment? Has the memorial enhanced or worsened the appearance of the area (include reference to lake vistas, vegetation and pedestrian traffic)?
• How will this memorial change in years to come?
• What is the educational purpose of the memorial?
• Does the memorial affect the reputation of Australian police officers?
• Is there a memorial commemorating police officers in your city or town?

Be creative

Instead of creating a memorial, think of other ways to commemorate the unpredictable nature of policing. What can your school do on National Police Remembrance Day to acknowledge the important role police officers play in the Australian community?