Awarded to any sworn or ancillary member of the Department of Police who has been killed, wounded or injured in the performance of their duties. The Blue Star is similar equivalent to the U.S. Government's Purple Heart.
The Medal of Merit is a Maltese cross medallion. The Virginia Beach City Seal is affixed to the center, is underscored with "Blue Star" and is crowned with laurel branches and three stars. The medal is suspended from a clasp by a blue and white draped ribbon. Award recipients will receive the medal itself, a service ribbon commensurate with the award, and a certificate embossed with the insignia of the actual medal. The service ribbon will be enamel, and blue and white in color. The certificate will be framed and include the recipient's name and rank, as well as the date of the award was presented and a brief description of the act which justifies the award.