Every day, law enforcement officers across the United States put on their uniforms, kiss their families goodbye, and step into roles that require courage, dedication, and sacrifice. They never know what challenges they’ll face, what dangers they’ll encounter, or whether they’ll return home safely. National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, observed annually on January 9, provides an opportunity for communities to recognize these brave men and women and express gratitude for their unwavering commitment to public safety.

What is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, also known as L.E.A.D., is observed across the country on January 9th each year as citizens take the lead to show support for law enforcement officers of every rank and file who have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day for their communities. This national observance honors local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel including police officers, sheriffs, deputies, federal agents, corrections officers, and all those who serve in law enforcement capacities.

The day serves multiple purposes: acknowledging the daily sacrifices officers make, recognizing the challenges and dangers inherent in law enforcement work, building bridges between police and the communities they serve, and simply saying “thank you” to those who protect and serve.

The History and Origins of L.E.A.D.

In 2015, Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) created National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to help citizens show support for their local law enforcement officers, held each year on January 9 to provide individuals with an opportunity to show gratitude to the more than 900,000 men and women who have chosen to protect and serve our communities.

In 2014, law enforcement in America was changed forever after an officer-involved shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, with the violence and negativity aimed at law enforcement following that incident sparking COPS to implement the first L.E.A.D., with January 9 chosen as a day to encourage citizens to do something special for their community’s peacekeepers and take the time to show their appreciation.

Several organizations came together to create National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in 2015 to thank officers across the country for all the daily sacrifices they make for their communities. Supporting organizations include the Fraternal Order of Police, the Officer Down Memorial Page, Law Enforcement United, and many others. Since the inaugural celebration, countless additional organizations have joined forces to spread encouragement and respect to dedicated law enforcement professionals nationwide.

Why Law Enforcement Appreciation Matters

The Realities of Police Work

Law enforcement is a challenging and thankless career involving a considerable amount of stress, including internal stressors from working in a law enforcement agency as well as physical dangers and the risk of death when officers respond to emergencies and other traumatic events. Officers face unique occupational hazards that few other professions experience.

Generally, officers often only interact with people who are having a difficult time in their lives, having to calm upset people or deal with violent or mentally ill perpetrators. This constant exposure to crisis situations, human suffering, and danger takes a significant emotional and psychological toll.

Sacrifice and Service

Law enforcement careers demand extraordinary personal sacrifice. Officers work irregular hours, miss family events, work holidays, and remain on call during their off-duty time. They witness traumatic events that most people never see, carry the weight of life-and-death decisions, and face scrutiny and criticism even when doing their jobs correctly.

Officers and their families also have to cope with line-of-duty deaths, with 123 officer line-of-duty deaths occurring in 2023 according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Every shift carries the possibility that an officer may not return home, a reality that law enforcement families live with every single day.

Building Community Relations

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day serves a critical role in fostering positive relationships between police and the communities they serve. In an era where law enforcement faces significant scrutiny and challenges, the day provides an opportunity to acknowledge good police work, highlight positive interactions, and build mutual understanding and respect.

The observance helps humanize officers, reminding communities that behind the badge are real people with families, hopes, and the genuine desire to make their communities safer. It also reminds officers that despite negative headlines, many citizens recognize and appreciate their service.

How Law Enforcement Protects Communities

Understanding what law enforcement officers do helps us appreciate why their work deserves recognition. Their responsibilities extend far beyond what most people realize.

Emergency Response: Officers are often first responders to accidents, medical emergencies, fires, and natural disasters, providing immediate assistance before specialized help arrives.

Crime Prevention and Investigation: They patrol neighborhoods, investigate crimes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work to solve cases that bring justice to victims.

Public Safety Education: Many officers conduct community programs teaching crime prevention, child safety, substance abuse awareness, and other educational initiatives.

Traffic Safety: Officers enforce traffic laws, investigate accidents, remove impaired drivers from roads, and work to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.

Crisis Intervention: Modern law enforcement increasingly involves mental health crisis response, domestic violence intervention, and helping vulnerable populations access services.

Community Policing: Officers build relationships with community members, attend neighborhood meetings, work with local organizations, and serve as trusted resources for residents.

Ways to Celebrate and Show Appreciation

There are countless meaningful ways individuals and communities can participate in National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and show officers they’re valued.

Personal Gestures

Simple acts include bringing snacks or coffee to your local department (check with them first for preferred drop-off times), getting kids involved by having them create drawings, signs or thank-you cards, and simply thanking an officer for their service whenever you encounter one in public.

Write Thank-You Cards: A handwritten note expressing gratitude can have profound impact. Share it with your local police department to brighten an officer’s day.

Verbal Appreciation: When you encounter an officer in public, take a moment to say “thank you for your service.” These simple words can make a meaningful difference.

Social Media Recognition: Share positive stories about law enforcement experiences on social media platforms, helping counter negative narratives with real examples of good police work.

Visual Displays of Support

Wear blue clothing on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to show support, change your social media profile picture to a badge or thin blue line logo, and consider shining a blue light from your home.

Host a blue-themed event with your school, church or neighborhood group, start a blue ribbon campaign in your area, or decorate a public space in honor of the day.

Many communities illuminate public buildings, bridges, and landmarks with blue lighting on January 9 as a visual tribute to law enforcement. Homes and businesses can participate by displaying blue ribbons, flags, or lights.

Community Events and Activities

Attend planned events, engage with local law enforcement through community events or open houses as a great way to connect and learn more about their work, and join or support a Neighborhood Watch as suggested by the National Crime Prevention Council as an active way to support community safety year-round.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfasts: Many communities organize breakfast or lunch events where citizens can meet officers in an informal setting and express appreciation.

Recognition Ceremonies: Attend or organize ceremonies that honor local law enforcement, present awards for outstanding service, or recognize officers’ years of dedication.

Police Department Open Houses: Visit your local police department during special open house events to meet officers, see their facilities, and learn about their work.

Blue Blood Drives: Organize blood donation drives in honor of law enforcement, combining community service with appreciation.

Financial Support and Donations

Donate to law enforcement support groups or foundations that assist families of fallen officers, and host fundraisers as an effective way to show appreciation.

Consider contributing to organizations that support:

• Families of fallen officers
• Law enforcement memorial funds
• Police benevolent associations
• Programs providing counseling and mental health support for officers
• Scholarship funds for children of law enforcement officers

Workplace and Business Participation

Employee Recognition: If you employ law enforcement officers or have them as customers, consider special recognition or appreciation gestures.

Special Discounts: Many restaurants and businesses offer free meals, discounts, or special promotions for law enforcement officers on January 9.

Corporate Sponsorship: Businesses can sponsor law enforcement appreciation events, donate equipment or resources, or support police-related charitable causes.

Educational Activities

School Programs: Teachers can develop lessons about law enforcement careers, invite officers to speak to classes, or organize card-making activities for students to thank local police.

Library Displays: Public libraries can create displays featuring books about law enforcement, local police history, and information about careers in law enforcement.

Community Presentations: Organize presentations where officers can share their experiences, discuss their work, and answer community questions.

The Evolution of Law Enforcement in America

Understanding the history of American law enforcement provides context for appreciating modern policing.

In the mid 1800s, most law enforcement was carried out in the form of posse comitatus, where the sheriff and a posse of volunteers and deputies would enforce laws rather than a centralized police force, with centralized police or sheriff’s departments only developing once the 20th century rolled around in most larger cities, counties, and states.

The professionalization of law enforcement has been an ongoing process involving:

• Establishment of training academies and professional standards
• Development of specialized units for investigations, SWAT, K-9, and other functions
• Implementation of community policing philosophies
• Integration of technology including body cameras, crime analysis software, and forensic tools
• Enhanced training in de-escalation, cultural competency, and mental health crisis response

Modern law enforcement continues evolving to meet contemporary challenges while maintaining the core mission of protecting and serving communities.

Challenges Facing Modern Law Enforcement

Recognizing the challenges officers face helps explain why appreciation matters so much.

Recruitment and Retention: Many departments struggle to recruit qualified candidates and retain experienced officers amid increased scrutiny and challenging working conditions.

Mental Health Strain: Constant exposure to trauma, violence, and human suffering creates significant mental health challenges for officers, with post-traumatic stress, depression, and suicide rates higher among law enforcement than the general population.

Public Scrutiny: Officers work under intense public scrutiny with their actions recorded, analyzed, and judged, sometimes without full context.

Resource Limitations: Many departments face budget constraints affecting equipment, training, staffing levels, and officer safety.

Evolving Threats: Officers must adapt to new challenges including active shooter situations, terrorism concerns, cybercrime, and increasingly sophisticated criminal activities.

Work-Life Balance: The demanding nature of police work makes maintaining healthy personal relationships and family life extraordinarily difficult.

Supporting Law Enforcement Year-Round

While National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day occurs once annually, the need for community support extends throughout the year.

Ongoing Communication: Maintain open dialogue with local law enforcement, attend community meetings, and participate in citizen advisory councils.

Constructive Engagement: When concerns arise, engage constructively with law enforcement leadership to address issues while recognizing good work.

Support Reform Efforts: Support evidence-based reforms that improve policing while maintaining officer safety and effectiveness.

Educational Involvement: Participate in citizens’ police academies and ride-along programs to better understand law enforcement work.

Advocate for Resources: Support adequate funding for police departments including competitive salaries, quality equipment, comprehensive training, and mental health resources for officers.

Volunteer Opportunities: Many departments have volunteer programs, reserve officer programs, and community liaison positions where citizens can support police work.

Different Ways Communities Celebrate

Communities across America have developed creative and meaningful ways to observe Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Las Vegas, Nevada: Iconic marquees along the Las Vegas Strip light up in blue as a tribute to law enforcement officers.

Small Town America: Local bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants provide free meals and treats to officers throughout the day.

Schools and Youth Groups: Students create thousands of thank-you cards, drawings, and posters delivered to local police departments.

Faith Communities: Churches and religious organizations hold special prayers or services honoring law enforcement and their families.

Municipal Recognition: Mayors and city councils issue proclamations, hold ceremonies, and publicly recognize law enforcement contributions.

Social Media Campaigns: Communities organize coordinated social media campaigns sharing positive police stories and using hashtags to spread appreciation messages.

The Impact of Appreciation on Officers

Never underestimate the power of appreciation. In a profession where criticism often outweighs recognition, expressions of gratitude have profound effects.

Officers report that community appreciation:

• Boosts morale during difficult times
• Reminds them why they chose law enforcement careers
• Strengthens their commitment to serving their communities
• Helps them cope with the job’s emotional challenges
• Reinforces positive community relationships
• Provides encouragement to their families who also sacrifice

A simple “thank you,” a card from a child, or a community breakfast can sustain an officer through months of challenging work. These gestures remind officers they’re not alone and that their community values their service.

Balancing Appreciation with Accountability

Appreciating law enforcement doesn’t mean ignoring the need for accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in policing. Healthy communities can simultaneously:

• Honor officers who serve with integrity and dedication
• Hold accountable those who violate public trust
• Support reforms that improve policing practices
• Recognize the complexity and challenges of law enforcement work
• Advocate for both community safety and constitutional rights

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day focuses on recognizing the good work of dedicated officers while acknowledging the profession’s importance to safe communities.

Resources for Supporting Law Enforcement

Several organizations work to support law enforcement officers and their families:

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.): Provides resources for families and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP): Honors fallen officers and maintains a comprehensive database of line-of-duty deaths.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: Maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and supports families of fallen officers.

Fraternal Order of Police: The world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, advocating for officer rights and public safety.

100 Club Organizations: Local organizations across the country that provide financial assistance to families of first responders killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

Police Unity Tour: An annual cycling event raising awareness about law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and raising funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Conclusion

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9 provides an important opportunity to recognize the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. These officers face dangers, make sacrifices, and carry burdens that most of us will never fully understand. They deserve our gratitude, respect, and support.

Whether you wear blue, send a card, attend an event, or simply say “thank you” when you see an officer, your participation matters. These gestures remind law enforcement officers that their communities value their service and recognize their sacrifices.

As we observe this special day, remember that appreciation shouldn’t be limited to January 9. Law enforcement officers work every day of the year, and they deserve our support every day of the year. By building positive relationships between police and communities, supporting reasonable reforms, and recognizing the good work of dedicated officers, we create safer, stronger communities for everyone.

Take time on January 9 and throughout the year to thank a law enforcement officer. Your appreciation might make more difference than you’ll ever know.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is observed annually on January 9, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. The date was established when the observance was created in 2015 and has remained consistent each year since.

Who started National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was created in 2015 by Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) in partnership with several law enforcement organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police, Officer Down Memorial Page, and Law Enforcement United. The observance was established following the 2014 events in Ferguson, Missouri, when law enforcement faced increased negativity and criticism.

Why is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day important?

This observance is important because law enforcement officers face significant challenges, dangers, and personal sacrifices that often go unrecognized. The day provides an opportunity for communities to acknowledge officers’ dedication, build positive police-community relationships, boost officer morale, and simply say “thank you” to those who protect and serve.

How can I participate in Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?

You can participate by wearing blue clothing to show support, sending thank-you cards to your local police department, bringing snacks or coffee to officers, attending community appreciation events, changing your social media profile picture to show support, donating to law enforcement support organizations, or simply thanking an officer when you encounter one in public.

Do all law enforcement agencies participate in L.E.A.D.?

While not every agency formally celebrates the day, most law enforcement organizations and departments across the United States recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Many receive community support through cards, food donations, and attendance at appreciation events. The observance has grown significantly since its creation in 2015.

Can schools participate in Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?

Absolutely. Schools can participate by having students create thank-you cards or drawings for local police, inviting officers to speak to classes, organizing appreciation assemblies, or coordinating school-wide activities that honor law enforcement. These activities help students learn about law enforcement careers while showing appreciation.

What’s the difference between Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and National Police Week?

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day occurs on January 9 and is a day for communities to thank all active law enforcement officers. National Police Week occurs in May (typically the week of May 15) and specifically honors law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. Both observances are important but serve different purposes.

Are federal law enforcement officers included in this observance?

Yes. National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day honors all law enforcement officers including local police, county sheriffs, state troopers, federal agents (FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, etc.), corrections officers, and all others who serve in law enforcement capacities at any level.

How do businesses typically participate?

Many businesses participate by offering free meals or special discounts to law enforcement officers on January 9, sponsoring appreciation events, making donations to law enforcement support organizations, organizing employee volunteer activities, or displaying blue ribbons and supportive signage.

Is it appropriate to thank an officer even if I’m not participating in an organized event?

Yes, absolutely. Officers appreciate verbal expressions of gratitude any day of the year, not just on January 9. A simple “thank you for your service” when you encounter an officer can brighten their day and remind them that their work is valued.

What should I write in a thank-you card to law enforcement?

Keep it sincere and personal. Express genuine gratitude for their service, acknowledge the sacrifices they make, mention how their work makes your community safer, or share a specific positive experience you’ve had with law enforcement. Handwritten messages, even simple ones, are deeply appreciated.

Can I visit my local police department to show appreciation?

Many departments welcome visitors on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, but it’s best to call ahead and ask about their preferences. Some departments organize special open houses or reception times, while others may prefer that you leave cards or treats at the front desk to avoid disrupting operations.

How can I support families of law enforcement officers?

You can support law enforcement families by donating to organizations like Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), participating in fundraisers for families of fallen officers, supporting local 100 Club organizations, or recognizing that law enforcement families also make significant sacrifices and including them in appreciation efforts.

Does appreciating law enforcement mean ignoring problems in policing?

No. It’s possible to appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of good officers while also supporting accountability, transparency, and reforms that improve policing. Healthy communities can honor officers who serve with integrity while also advocating for continuous improvement in law enforcement practices.

How has Law Enforcement Appreciation Day grown since 2015?

Since its creation in 2015, the observance has grown significantly with thousands of communities across America now participating. More organizations have joined in supporting the day, media coverage has increased, social media participation has expanded, and countless businesses now offer special recognition or promotions for officers on January 9.