AWARD OF PURPLE HEART

AWARD CRITERIA

The Award of Purple Heart is awarded by the Commanding Law Enforcement Officer of the presiding jurisdiction to a person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the office who, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded by the following:

• In any action against a hostile threat of the City, County, State and United States.

• In any action with an opposing hostile threat.

• While serving with the office engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing hostile threat.

• As the result of an act of any such hostile opposing threat.

• As the result of an act of any hostile threat.

• Persons who while serving in any capacity in or with the office who was killed or wounded in action by friendly fire or high velocity impact as the result of an act of a hostile threat.

• Persons who is killed or wounded in action by weapon fire or high velocity impact while directly engaged in armed conflict and/or pursuit, unless (in the case of a wound) the wound is the result of willful misconduct of the member.

A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above. A physical lesion is not required, however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by medical personnel and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record.

Examples of hostile-related injuries which clearly justify Award of Purple Heart are as follows:

• Injury caused by hostile bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by hostile threat action.

• Injury caused by hostile placed trap.

• Injury caused by hostile released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent.

• Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from hostile fire or pursuit.

• Concussion injuries caused as a result of hostile generated explosions.

Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not justify Award of Purple Heart are as follows:

• Frostbite.

• Heat stroke.

• Food poisoning not caused by hostile agents.

• Chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the hostile threat.

• Fatigue.

• Disease not directly caused by hostile agents.

• Accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by hostile action.

• Self-inflicted wounds, except when in the pursuit of law enforcement and not involving gross negligence.

• Post traumatic stress disorders.

It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile threat action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria.

CERTIFICATE STANDARD

• All certificates must be printed in color on standardized paper style: Premium Card-stock Paper, 8.5" x 11", White.

• All certificates will be embossed by the hand of the "Commanding Law Enforcement Officer" and signed prior to issue.