NSW Police Pipe Band is based in Sydney, Australia, and was established in 1946 by Police Commissioner William John MacKay. It was formed by serving police officers who were skilled pipers and drummers, many with Scottish heritage. In honour of Commissioner MacKay, the band adopted the Ancient MacKay tartan, crest and motto, “Manu Forti”, meaning “with a strong hand.”

The band’s first formal engagement was the Newcastle Centenary celebrations in September 1947, and it became part of the wider NSW Police ceremonial tradition. Although the band was affected by cost-cutting in the early 1990s, former members helped keep it active informally, including through ANZAC Day appearances.

Today, NSW Police Pipe Band continues as a volunteer organisation made up of former police officers and community members, partnering with NSW Police Force for ceremonial duties, remembrance events, parades and community performances.