Obverse. A silver color medal 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm) in height and 1 5/8 inches (4.13 cm)in width overall consisting of a white cross of eight points pommette supporting a shield at center bearing the U.S. Congressional Seal all gold, encircled by a dark blue annulet charged with fifty silver stars. Resting on the top arm of the cross is a wreath encircling the U.S. Capitol Dome, all silver.

Reverse. The cross is white and the reverse of the annulet is all silver and inscribed with CONGRESSIONAL BADGE OF BRAVERY over the top and STATE ANDLOCAL around the base; on the gold shield between a raise area for the name of the recipient is inscribed with FOR ACTS OF BRAVERY AT GREAT PERSONAL RISK above and in smaller letters DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE below. Resting on the top arm of the cross is the wreath with the reverse of the Capitol Dome with a space for a number.

Ribbon. The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide consisting of a inch Scarlet stripe with a 5/32inch White stripe, 7/32 inch Dark Blue Stripe and edged with 1/16 Yellow on either side.

Ribbon Attachment. A wreath encircling the U.S. Capitol Dome, allsilver.

Dark Blue is for loyalty and is a traditional color used by law enforcement. Red is for bravery and White represents purity of purpose. Gold is emblematic of honor. The cross is used often for acts of bravery and personal sacrifice on badges. The annulet symbolizes fidelity and the 50 stars, representing 50 states, highlight the state and local level of the award. The badge represents protection and is representative of the official shields used to identify law enforcement officials. The Congressional Seal and the U.S. Capitol Dome emphasizes the medal as being a high level award presented by Congress to law enforcement personnel. The wreath supporting the scroll inscribed with BRAVERY represents high achievement, courage, and professionalism.