When Is Police Week: Dates, Events & Commemoration
National Police Week is an annual event held every May. It honors law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Thousands of people attend, coming from all over the United States and the world.
This event is marked by remembrance, peer support, and community gatherings. It attracts between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees each year. This makes it a big deal for the law enforcement community.
The Presidential Proclamation of 1962
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy made a historic declaration. He established a national tradition to honor fallen law enforcement officers. On October 1, 1962, President Kennedy signed a proclamation. It designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as Police Week.
Establishing May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day
The Presidential Proclamation of 1962 officially designated May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This proclamation aimed to honor federal, state, and municipal officers. It was for those who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Creating a National Tradition
The same proclamation also authorized the designation of the calendar week during which May 15 falls as Police Week. This declaration laid the foundation for the annual observance and celebration of National Police Week. It has become a deeply meaningful tradition for the blue line support and honor our heroes across the United States.
Ever growing, National Police Week has become a significant national event. It attracts over 40,000 attendees to the annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. alone.
When Is Police Week
National Police Week is celebrated every year in the week that includes May 15. In 2024, it will be from Saturday, May 11 to Friday, May 17. This week honors the brave men and women who serve as law enforcement officers in the United States.
The tradition of National Police Week started in 1962. President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. Now, it’s a cherished tradition with many events and ceremonies to honor fallen officers.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is on May 15 every year. It honors law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. In the Western District of Texas, two officers lost their lives in the past year. Nationwide, over 280 officers who died in 2024 were honored at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Major Events During National Police Week
National Police Week honors the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and their families. It’s a time to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. Several events take place to commemorate their service.
Annual Candlelight Vigil
The Annual Candlelight Vigil is held on the National Mall. It’s a solemn tribute to officers who lost their lives in 2023. The ceremony includes reading the names of these fallen heroes.
This moment allows the law enforcement community to come together. They honor their colleagues in a poignant way.
National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
The National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service is at the U.S. Capitol. It starts at 12 noon and lasts about 3 hours. Law enforcement professionals from across the country attend.
They pay their respects and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a powerful event.
Honor Guard Competition
The Annual Steve Young National Honor Guard Competition is a one-day event. It showcases the precision and discipline of law enforcement honor guards. Teams from various agencies compete in drills and demonstrations.
This competition highlights the pride and professionalism of the police unity tour and officer down memorial page.
| Event | Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Candlelight Vigil | Varies | 1 evening |
| National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service | May 15 | Approximately 3 hours |
| Honor Guard Competition | Varies | 1 day |
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s Role
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is key in honoring those who protect us. They organize the Annual Candlelight Vigil during National Police Week. Here, the names of fallen officers are read aloud, celebrating their lives.
In 2024, 282 U.S. law enforcement officers’ names will be added to the memorial. This year, 118 officers lost their lives, a 49% drop from last year. Also, 164 officers from before 2023 will be honored, after thorough research and approval.
The Annual Candlelight Vigil, now in its 36th year, attracts about 30,000 people. They come from all over to honor the 24,067 officers on the memorial. These officers represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and more.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to the law enforcement officers memorial and the police lives matter movement. They lead the annual National Police Week, making sure the sacrifices of these heroes are remembered.
Candlelight Vigil: A Solemn Tribute
Every year, the National Police Week starts with the Candlelight Vigil. It honors the brave law enforcement officers who have lost their lives. This ceremony is held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where thousands gather to show their respect.
Location and Timing
The Candlelight Vigil starts at 8 p.m. on the National Mall, near the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. It lasts about two hours. This gives everyone a chance to come together and honor the police officers who have made sacrifices.
Name Reading Ceremony
During the vigil, government officials and law enforcement leaders read the names of fallen officers. This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices these brave men and women have made.
Livestream Accessibility
If you can’t be there in person, you can watch the Candlelight Vigil online. This way, more people can honor our heroes and pay their respects to those who have lost their lives.
| Year | Fallen Officers Added to Memorial |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 619 |
| 2021 | 472 |
| 2020 | 394 |
U.S. Capitol Memorial Service Protocols
The National Police Week’s National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service honors law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. It’s held on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Thousands come from all over to pay their respects.
There are strict rules for the service. Everyone must show their badges and two IDs. Retired officers can’t bring guns to the event.
- Attendees must wear badges on outer garments and present two forms of government ID.
- Retired officers are not allowed to carry firearms on Capitol grounds.
The National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service is sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police. It’s expected to have 40,000 people in 2024. This event has grown from 120 people in 1982 to a major part of National Police Week.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Attendance at 2024 Memorial Service | 40,000 |
| Attendance Growth From 1982 | From 120 to over 40,000 annually |
| Estimated Attendance at National Police Week Events | 25,000 to 40,000 |
| American Rescue Plan Funding for Law Enforcement | $350 billion |
Police Week Attendance and Participation
National Police Week is a significant event that brings together law enforcement officers from the U.S. and worldwide. It draws between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees each year. These officers come from departments and agencies across the nation and internationally.
This large number shows the unity and mourning of the law enforcement community.
International Law Enforcement Presence
International law enforcement officers join National Police Week, showing its global reach. Officers from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia have attended. They honor the fallen and celebrate the law enforcement community’s strength.
Networking Opportunities
The Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 is key in National Police Week. It hosts receptions and events for networking. This allows officers to connect, share experiences, and build relationships.
These interactions strengthen the law enforcement community’s bonds.
| Year | Number of Fallen Officers Honored | Percentage Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 282 | -49% |
| 2022 | 118 | N/A |
The Fraternal Order of Police’s Contributions
During National Police Week, the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and its Auxiliary honor our heroes. They sponsor the Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. This event is a big tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives in duty.
This year, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of live events. But the FOP found ways to honor police lives matter. They created a virtual Candlelight Vigil, an Interactive Virtual Memory Board, and a memorial tribute video.
The FOP also organizes the Roll Call of Heroes ceremony. Over 300 officers are honored for their ultimate sacrifice. This ceremony reminds us of the selfless service and dedication of our law enforcement. They risk their lives every day to protect us.
The National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) reports a sad fact. Nearly 60 percent of law enforcement officers who died in 2020 died from COVID-19. The FOP’s efforts to honor our heroes show their strong support and advocacy for law enforcement during tough times.
Challenge Coins and Commemorative Items
Law enforcement officers are getting ready for Police Week 2024. They can buy special challenge coins and commemorative items. These items show brotherhood and pride in the police community.
Challenge coins have a long history, starting in World War I. They have become a tradition. Officers wear them to show their service and pride.
This year, there are many challenge coins and items for Police Week. They feature the thin blue line and police badges. Each costs $10, plus shipping if you can’t pick it up at the event.
These items are more than just souvenirs. They show thanks to the brave officers who keep us safe. They symbolize the support for the blue line that keeps our society strong.
| Item | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Police Week 2024 Challenge Coin | $10 | Available during the event |
| Police Week 2024 Commemorative Pin | $5 | Available during the event |
| Police Week 2024 Lapel Pin | $7 | Available during the event |
Challenge coins and items remind us of the police’s vital role. They show support and appreciation for the police officer appreciation and blue line support that keeps our nation safe.
Supporting Organizations and Their Missions
National Police Week honors the bravery and hard work of law enforcement officers in the U.S. Many groups come together to support police survivors and keep the memory of fallen officers alive.
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)
The Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) is key during National Police Week. They host the National Police Survivors’ Conference. This event offers support and resources to those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
It’s a place where people can find comfort and connect with others who understand their pain. It’s a space for healing and finding community.
Memorial Fund Activities
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is also a big part of Police Week. They take care of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. This memorial honors over 23,785 officers who have died in service.
During Police Week, the Memorial Fund organizes special events. These include the Candlelight Vigil and the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. Thousands of people from all over come to these events to pay their respects.
Media Coverage and Documentation Requirements
During National Police Week, we honor our fallen law enforcement officers. Media coverage is key in sharing this tribute. Specific rules are in place for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service on May 15.
Media folks need to fill out a Media Access Form before the event. This lets them cover the service. They can set up their gear from 5-6 am at Peace Circle, near the memorial. They must bring two IDs to get in. For any media questions, email media.policememorialservice@gmail.com.
This plan helps the media document and share the stories of our fallen heroes. By following these rules, the media can honor those who have sacrificed everything for their communities and the nation.
Most-Asked Questions
When is National Police Week?
National Police Week is in May. It honors law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. It includes remembrance, support, and gatherings for everyone involved.
What is the history behind National Police Week?
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy made May 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day. The week around it is Police Week. It’s a tradition to honor fallen officers every year.
When does National Police Week take place?
It happens every year in the week that includes May 15. In 2025, the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil will be on Tuesday, May 13.
What are the major events during National Police Week?
Key events include the Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall. There’s also the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol. And the Annual Steve Young National Honor Guard Competition. These events honor fallen officers and bring law enforcement together.
What is the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s role?
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund organizes the Annual Candlelight Vigil. They also take care of the Memorial and plan other events to remember law enforcement sacrifices.
What happens during the Candlelight Vigil?
The Candlelight Vigil starts at 8 p.m. on the National Mall and lasts about 2 hours. High-ranking officials and law enforcement read the names of fallen officers. It’s also livestreamed for more people to watch.
What are the protocols for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol?
The service is at the U.S. Capitol’s West Front, starting at 12 noon. It lasts about 3 hours. You must wear a badge and show two government IDs. Retired officers can’t carry guns on Capitol grounds.
How many people attend National Police Week?
25,000 to 40,000 people come from U.S. and international agencies. The Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 hosts receptions. This gives law enforcement a chance to network.
What is the Fraternal Order of Police’s role in National Police Week?
The Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary sponsor the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. They are key in organizing this important event.
What commemorative items are available for Police Week?
Police Week 2024 Challenge Coins are $10 each, plus shipping if not picked up. These items are symbols of support for law enforcement.
What other organizations are involved in National Police Week?
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) hosts the National Police Survivors’ Conference. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund also organizes events and maintains the Memorial.
What are the media coverage requirements for National Police Week?
Media must fill out a Media Access Form for the Memorial Service. Equipment setup is from 5-6 am on May 15. Two IDs are needed for access. Contact media.policememorialservice@gmail.com for inquiries.
