Meaning of the Insignia
This insignia, which was designed and adopted in 1959, is a symbol of the NSW Police Force.
The Crown
The NSW Police Force insignia displays a crown, signifying Her Majesty’s Government. This surmounts the segment containing the NSW crest and the eagle carrying Nemesis.
The Eagle
Much of the British legal system, which has been adopted by Australia, is based on old Roman laws introduced into Britain by Julius Caesar. The symbol of Rome was the Roman Eagle, thus the eagle here represents the law of the Crown in the Sovereign state of NSW. The eagle is the Australian Wedgetail.
Nemesis
Nemesis was the ancient Greek goddess of chastisement and vengeance, and here signifies retribution and justice. Together with the eagle, they represent the British Crown as protector of the people, overseeing law and justice in NSW.
The Motto
The Latin motto reads ‘Culpam poena premit comes’, which is translated as ‘Punishment follows close on guilt’ (Stevenson’s Book of Quotations, page 1956, section 15). A free translation would be ‘Punishment is a companion pressing closely on crime’, or succinctly, ‘Punishment swiftly follows crime’.
The Wreath
The wreath stands for achievement and victory. This international symbol has its roots in ancient Greece, where the victors of athletic and literacy contests were awarded a coronet of wild olive leaves. The laurel wreath indicated the best and most worthy.