Each year, the 29th September holds a special significance for Police throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

It is a day for police to pause to honour officers whose lives have been cut short while performing their duty as a police officer. This important day is also a time to remember police officers who have lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.

National Police Remembrance Day is observed on the feast day for Saint Michael the Archangel. Patron saint of police.  St Michael is recognised as an archangel by the Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths.