A police sergeant in 1951 with no medal ribbons?
He'd have some from WWII for sure. Quite obvious goof that one.
shareAre you sure they're worn on a police uniform?
shareYes, they are. That's assuming he went to war. Protected industry/service, perhaps. Regardless, it's not a 'goof'.
They might not wear WWII medals on a daily basis but rather for inspection by higher ups and parades on Remembrance Day, etc.
I lived in Canada as a kid and had a Mountie as a neighbor. They wore a brown uniform to work. The fancy red and black uniform you see in movies is a dress uniform. They might wear a bar with ribbons but medals could get in the way while handling criminals or get lost.
I don't know everything. Neither does anyone else
The guys who have earned their medals can wear them on their uniforms. It's up to the individual. Some don't like wearing them for many reasons.
Medals on ceremonial days and, you're quite correct, the ribbons for their day-to-day duty.