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- Special Interest
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- AppreciationSafety
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Week starting every May 15
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National Police Week honors the brave men and women of law enforcement, observed annually from May 15-21. This week, designated by President Kennedy, is a time to remember fallen officers, support their families, and express gratitude for their daily commitment to public safety. Show your appreciation, learn about local initiatives, and support police charities.
Want to sponsor National Police Week? Learn how
Expected National Police Week Deals
National Police Week focuses on appreciation and remembrance rather than commercial deals, but many businesses and organizations offer special recognition for law enforcement. In 2026, expect local restaurants and coffee shops to provide discounts or free meals for officers with valid ID. Retailers like Under Armour and 5.11 Tactical often extend year-round first responder discounts, which may be highlighted during this week. Organizations such as the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) will host fundraising drives and remembrance events. We will update this page with confirmed live appreciation programs as May 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Police Week
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPoliceWeek. Share stories of community policing initiatives or profiles of local heroes.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalPoliceWeek. Share messages of gratitude, remember fallen officers, or highlight local department efforts.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPoliceWeek. Organize or share details about local remembrance ceremonies and community events.
National Police Week Hero
John F. Kennedy
History of National Police Week
National Police Week was created in 1962; after then-president of the United States, John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726. The law designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and stated that the week in which the day falls should be National Police Week. Every year, the National Law Enforcement Officers organize a Memorial Service to honor police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Law enforcement has existed for centuries, although its officers haven’t always been known as ‘Police.’ In Ancient China, they were called ‘prefects.’ Old Babylonians called them ‘Paqūdu.’ In the Inca Empire, they called officials who held the roles of magistrates ‘Curaca.’ Inspectors or lower-level governors were called ‘Toqrikoq.’
The first centrally organized and uniformed police force was created during King Louis XIV’s reign in Paris in 1667. In 17th century Colonial America, the most important law enforcement official was the county sheriff. In 1789, the United States Marshals Service was established, and other federal law enforcement agencies started popping up, such as the U.S. Parks Police. However, the first organized and publicly-funded professional full-time police force wasn’t established until 1838 in Boston.
The United States police force has developed since then to become a powerful one, with dedicated officers. The goal of National Police Week is to honor and celebrate these officers. Individuals and governments have a responsibility to honor their brave and hardworking law enforcement on this day. In October 2020, the United States approved legislation authorizing the construction of a national law enforcement museum on federal property directly across the street from the law enforcement officers’ memorial.
National Police Week timeline
The first law enforcement officer to be killed in the line of duty in the United States is Constable Darius Quimby.
President John F. Kennedy signs a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which the date falls as National Police Week.
The National Peace Officers Memorial Service begins as a gathering of about 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement in Senate Park.
President Bill Clinton amends Kennedy’s declaration by signing a law directing that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in all government buildings on May 15 every year.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Police Week
Local businesses can show profound appreciation during National Police Week by offering tangible support and recognition. Restaurants and coffee shops might provide complimentary meals or special discounts for officers. Retailers could highlight their existing first responder discount programs or create new ones for the week. Companies can also organize internal events to educate employees on the role of law enforcement or participate in community-led initiatives to thank local police departments. Local businesses can also sponsor remembrance events or donate to police benevolent funds.
National Police Week FAQs
When is National Police Week?
In 2027, National Police Week begins on Saturday, May 15, and concludes on Friday, May 21. It’s a dedicated period for national remembrance and appreciation of police officers.
How many law enforcement officers are there in the U.S.?
The number of active law enforcement personnel in the U.S. remains consistently around 700,000. These dedicated individuals serve in various capacities, from patrol officers to specialized units.
What is Peace Officers Memorial Day?
May 15 is officially recognized as Peace Officers Memorial Day, a cornerstone of National Police Week. This day serves as a national tribute to the bravery and ultimate sacrifice of police officers.
Is National Police Week a federal holiday?
National Police Week is not designated as a federal holiday, meaning it does not entail a day off from work or school. Instead, it is a period of national observance to honor law enforcement.
How to Observe National Police Week
Hold a vigil for the fallen
You can attend the official memorial service held for fallen police officers in Washington, D.C. Even if you can’t make it down to D.C., you can organize a memorial service or vigil of your own or simply light a candle in honor of the fallen police officers you know.
Appreciate a local police officer
Police work can sometimes be a thankless job. You can take some time out during National Police Week to appreciate your favorite local police officer. Find out how you could help out, whether it is by giving them a meal during a long night shift or just writing a thoughtful note to keep them going.
Get decked in blue
If you didn’t already know, blue is the color used to symbolize the United States police force. During National Police Week, you can get decked in blue to show your support for the officers who have devoted their lives to keeping us safe.
5 Important Facts About The U.S. Police Force
900,000 officers in blue
There are over 900,000 police officers serving in the U.S., the highest number the country has ever seen.
Over 20,000 gone
Since 1791, over 20,000 law enforcement officers in the U.S. have been killed while on duty, with their names engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
The deadliest year
1930 was the deadliest year in United States police history, with over 310 officers killed in the line of duty
17,985 agencies
The United States has almost 18,000 separate police agencies, with each one having its internal structure and regulations.
Over 100,000 women in blue
Around 12% of the full-time police officers in the United States are women.
Why National Police Week is Important
The fallen need to be remembered
National Police Week allows us to honor the police 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.
Police officers risk their lives everyday
Police 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. Police officers get to honor and mourn their lost partners and colleagues, the police force shows its support for the families of lost officers, and civilians get to support the police by appreciating them.
National Police Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 10–16 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | May 9–15 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | May 14–20 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | May 13–19 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | May 12–18 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for National Police Week
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