Department of Correctional Services

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) was established in October 1911 as the Prisons Department, and was renamed the South African Prisons Service (SAPS) in 1959 and the DCS in 1990.

The department had three series of decorations and medals: the first from 1922 to 1968; the second from 1968 to 1980; and the third from 1980 until the DCS gave up all its military characterics and "civilianised" in 1996. The third series, introduced in April 1980, comprised eleven decorations and medals, which were used until April 1996.

DCS Star for Excellence (SPE) (1980-1996)
Awarded to general officers, for excellent service which promoted DCS efficiency.

Insignia: A green-enamelled 6-armed 12-pointed gold star displaying a smaller gold star with a diamond in the centre (obverse). It is worn on a neck ribbon.

DCS Cross for Valour: Diamond (CPV) (1980-1996)
To be awarded for death-defying valour in the line of duty or in protecting or saving life or property. Never awarded.

Insignia: A red-enamelled gold Maltese cross with a diamond in the centre superimposed on a white-enamelled Maltese cross (obverse).

DCS Cross for Valour: Ruby (CPF) (1980-1996)
For valour in the line of duty, or in protecting or saving life or property. Altogether, 33 awards were made, the first (1982) being to WO F.E. O'Ehley, for single-handedly breaking up a prison fight, in which he was injured.

Insignia: A red-enamelled gold Maltese cross with a ruby in the centre (obverse).

DCS Star for Distinction (SPO) (1980-1996)
Awarded to general officers, for exemplary service which promoted DCS efficiency.

Insignia: Same design as the SPO, but smaller, and worn on a chest ribbon.

DCS Star for Merit (SPM) (1980-1996)
Awarded to officers, for outstanding service, characterised by ability, efficiency, perseverance or devotion.

Insignia: A green-enamelled, gold-plated silver 5-armed 10-pointed star with protea flowers separating the arms (obverse).

DCS Cross for Merit (CPM) (1980-1996)
The equivalent decoration for warrant officers, sergeants, and warders.

Insignia: A green-enamelled gold-plated silver cross pattee.

DCS Medal for Merit (Commissioned Officers) (1980-1996)
Awarded to officers, for special service, characterised by ability, efficiency, perseverance or devotion.

Insignia: An octagonal multi-rayed star, the eight principal rays gilded, displaying an open protea flower in the centre (obverse).

DCS Medal for Merit (Non-Commissioned Officers) (1980-1996)
The equivalent award for warrant officers, sergeants, and warders.

Insignia: Same design as the officers' medal, but all in silver.

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DCS Medal for Faithful Service (1980-1996)
For faithful service and exemplary conduct. It was awarded cumulatively in three classes: Bronze after 10 years, Silver after 20 years, and after 30 years. A clasp was added after 40 years service.

Insignia: A circular medal displaying the SA coat of arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the DCS badge (reverse).