The Police Combat Cross is awarded to police officers who, "having received Honorable Mention awards, successfully and intelligently perform an act of extraordinary heroism while engaged in personal combat with an armed adversary under circumstances of imminent personal hazard to life".

The medal is a gold Maltese Cross with the seal of New York City set in the center and surrounded by the inscription, "For Valor, Police".

The cross is suspended by a ring from green silk ribbon.

If the Combat Cross is awarded a second time, a gold palm leaf is set in the center of the ribbon.

In 1998, the detail and casting of Police Combat Cross was enhanced to reflect its importance as the department's second highest medal.