National Police Week 2024
National Police Week offers honor, remembrance, and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty for the protection of others..
Each year during the week of May 15th, National Police Week recognizes law enforcement officers' contributions throughout the nation. Every day they put on their uniforms, not knowing what the day holds. They have answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated.
HISTORY
On October 1, 1961, Congress asked President John F. Kennedy to designate May 15th to honor peace officers. In 1962, President Kennedy declared Peace Officers Memorial Day to be observed on May 15th and recognized May 15th as National Police Week. In 1994, Bill Clinton made an amendment through Public Law 103-322 that directed the United States flag to be flown at half-staff on May 15th in honor of the day.
Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation's Capital each year.
National Police Week draws in between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees. The attendees come from departments throughout the United States as well as from agencies throughout the world.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPoliceWeek
Participate in National Police Week by honoring fallen peace officers in your communities and supporting survivors and their families.
- Many chapters of Fraternal Order of Police Lodges (FOP) host memorial services locally. Check with your chapters for schedules of services and events.
- Hold a vigil - organize a memorial service or vigil of your own or simply light a candle in honor of the fallen law enforcement officers you know
- Recognize and support the services provided by local law enforcement.
- Turn on a blue light in support of law enforcement.
- Wear something blue all week long. You can also turn your social media profile blue to show your support.
- Post a thank you note to your social media page.
- Share a positive story about a law enforcement officer you know.
- Law enforcement work can sometimes be a thankless job. You can take some time out during National Police Week to show your appreciation.
WHY NATIONAL POLICE WEEK IS IMPORTANT
The fallen need to be remembered
National Police Week allows us to honor the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives or limbs in the course of duty. It allows the country to honor their sacrifice, remember their good deeds, and show support for their families.
Law enforcement officers risk their lives everyday.
Law enforcement officers put themselves in dangerous situations constantly in their quest to ensure we have a safe world. The least we can do is dedicate one week out of the 52 weeks in a year to appreciate their efforts and cheer them on.
It’s all about support
At the heart of it, National Police Week is all about support. Law enforcement officers get to honor and mourn their lost partners and colleagues, Law Enforcement shows its support for the families of lost Law enforcement Officers, and civilians get to support the law enforcement by appreciating them.
