The Medal of Honor if the UPOA’s highest award and shall be awarded only in exceptional cases when a hazardous duty is performed by a Utah law enforcement officer. The hazardous duty shall involve an obvious life threatening situation and the act must be of such a nature that it is beyond that expected in the line of duty.

B.        The criteria for awarding the Medal of Honor shall include:

            1.         Outstanding bravery beyond that expected in the line of duty.

            2.         Actions for which failure to take such action would not justify censure;

3.         Actions for which the risk of life actually existed and the member had sufficient time to evaluate it;

4.         Actions for which the objective is of sufficient importance to justify the risk, and

5.         The member accomplishes the objective or is prevented from doing so by incurring a disabling injury or death.

A.        The Medal of Valor is awarded by the UPOA for outstanding service and conspicuous bravery in the line of duty.

B.        This award shall be considered when the circumstances do not fall within the provisions required for a Medal of Honor.

C.        The criteria for awarding a Medal of Valor shall include actions:

1.         Where the member manifests outstanding bravery in the performance of duty under circumstances not within the provisions required for a Medal of Honor;

2.         Where the member risks loss of life with knowledge of the danger involved, or where a reasonable person would assume his life or safety was in great danger;

3.         Where the members objective is of a sufficient importance to justify the risk; and

4.         Where the member accomplishes the objective or is prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond his control.

A.        This medal is awarded to a Utah law enforcement officer, who, in the line of duty:

B.        The criteria for awarding the Purple Heart is as follows;

1.         Sustained wounds inflicted intentionally by an armed offender or adversary and which results in a severe puncture wound, laceration, fracture or contusion; or

2.         Is seriously injured by an unarmed offender or other adversity.

A.        The Officer of the Year Award is given by the UPOA for outstanding service to the citizens of the State of Utah.

1.         For multiple acts of courage and bravery, where there exists a life threatening situation, or the potential risk thereof.

2.         For a Peace Officer’s unparalleled desire and dedication to serve the public above and beyond that which is expected, expressed by ones monumental service.

3.         This award may be given for a single act or episode of noteworthiness when accompanied by documentation specifying an act of exceptional dedication to duty.

A.        This award is left open fro the President’s discretion to be given out as he sees fit. This award does not need board approval.

            1.         For acts of bravery during the performance of duties;

2.         For service with distinction under extraordinary circumstances during a major emergency or special operation;

3.         For other exceptional service to the UPOA.

A.        The Citizens Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the UPOA to a citizen and shall be awarded only in exceptional cases where a hazardous act is performed by a citizen assisting a law enforcement agency.

            1.         The hazardous act shall involve an obvious life-threatening situation.

2.         Outstanding bravery above and beyond that expected by the normal citizen.

3.         Actions for which failure to take such action would not justify censure.

4.         Actions for which the risk of life actually existed and the citizen had sufficient time to evaluate it.

5.         Actions for which the objective is of sufficient importance to justify the risk.

6.         The citizen accomplishes the objective or is prevented from same by incurring a disabling injury or death.

A.        This certificate shall be awarded to private citizens whose help or contributions furthered the cause of the UPOA.