Semper Paratus

The “Always Ready” Badge [Odznaka „Semper paratus”] (Latin: Always ready) is one of Poland’s ministerial decorations, a badge intended to reward employees and officers of the Prison Service who have shown courage and self-sacrifice in saving human life and health.

The first decision to award the “Always Ready” badge was made by the Director General of the Prison Service and the decoration’s chapter in July 2010, in order to reward the most committed participants in the flood-relief operation.

The badge was subsequently established several times, including on 22 August 2010 and again on 17 October 2012.

The badge is awarded by the Director General of the Prison Service on his own initiative or at the request of the relevant head of an organizational unit of the Prison Service, in order to recognize employees and officers of the Prison Service who have performed an act demonstrating their courage or valor, especially an act intended to save human life or health. The badge may also be awarded to other persons for merits in carrying out the tasks of the Prison Service.

The badge is made of tombac. It is circular; in the center, within a gold circle, is the monogram SW.