What is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is an annual observance dedicated to honoring and showing gratitude to law enforcement officers who serve and protect their communities. It’s a day to recognize the challenging and often thankless work of police officers across the United States.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 9th annually
- Tagged as: #NationalLawEnforcementAppreciationDay
- Hashtag: #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay
- Founded: 2015
- Founders: Multiple organizations, including Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)
History of the Day
The day was established in response to the tensions following the 2014 Ferguson, Missouri shooting. Organizations came together to create a positive narrative about law enforcement and show appreciation for their daily sacrifices.
Timeline
- 1845: New York City establishes the first municipal police force
- 2015: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is created
- 2016: First official observance held
- 2019: Gains nationwide recognition
- 2021: Growing community support for law enforcement appreciation
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 9 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 9 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 9 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 9 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 9 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | January 9 | Wednesday |
How to Observe the Day
- Wear blue to show support
- Send thank you cards to local police departments
- Share positive stories about law enforcement on social media
- Write letters of appreciation with children
- Turn on a blue porch light
Fun Facts
- Approximately 900,000 police officers serve in the U.S.
- Women make up 12% of the U.S. police force
- The U.S. has about 18,000 independent law enforcement agencies
Quiz
- When was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day established?
- Answer: 2015
- What is the date of the observance?
- Answer: January 9th
FAQs
Q: Why is this day important?
A: It recognizes the challenging work of law enforcement and helps build positive community-police relationships.
Q: How can I show appreciation?
A: Wear blue, write thank you notes, share positive stories, and show respect to local officers.
Q: Why is January 9th chosen for this observance?
A: It was selected as a symbolic day to unify communities in showing appreciation for law enforcement officers nationwide.
Q: How can I participate in LEAD?
A: Wear blue, write thank-you notes, share positive stories on social media, or attend local events honoring officers.
Q: Is this day observed globally?
A: No, it is primarily observed in the United States but inspires similar initiatives worldwide.
Importance of the Day
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day bridges the gap between communities and law enforcement, highlighting the critical role officers play in maintaining public safety and serving their communities.
Related Observances
- National Night Out
- Police Week
- Community Policing Events
- Law Enforcement Memorial Day