Police Appreciation Dates You Need to Know

There are several police appreciation dates each year dedicated to giving support to law enforcement. But there are also dates dedicated to remembering and honoring those we have lost.

It can be hard to remember when those dates are and what they mean. And if you’re like me, you need time to plan police appreciation ideas in advance, not the day or week of when you see mention of it on social media.

So this post is designed to help you write down those dates and plan in advance. As well as, differentiate between each of the police appreciation days and police week because they are slightly different.

I have also included appreciation dates for corrections, dispatchers and more.

Police Appreciation Dates to Mark on Your Calendar Now:

National Thank a Police Officer Day:

This day is recognized every third Saturday in September. This is a day to show appreciation, support and thank police officers of our nation. For more details about National Thank a Police Officer Day you can go here.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (also known as L.E.A.D.):

This day is recognized on January 9th every year. This is another great day to show support and appreciation to law enforcement. Get more info and ideas on how to show support here.

National Police Week:

National Police Week is always is slightly different than the other police appreciation days throughout the year. Police Week honors and remembers those officers we have lost from the previous year(s). While it is okay to give appreciation to those currently serving, the main focus is on remembering and honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

National Police Week is held every year during the week of May 15th as May 15th is National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day. The exact dates of Police Week change every year but it is the week surrounding May 15th.

Learn more about National Police Week here.

National Police Women’s Day:

This day is recognized every year on September 12th and it acknowledges the work and contributions of female police officers in our nation.

Other First Responder Appreciation Dates:

National Correctional Officer’s Week:

Correctional officers deserve recognition, too! You can show your support during the first week of May every year. Here is more info.

Dispatch or National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week:

Telecommunicators or dispatchers are truly the unsung heroes of our nation as they take those very first calls before others respond. This week is recognized the second week of April. Check back for exact dates as they do vary from year to year. Learn about ways to celebrate them here.

Be sure to mark these days on your calendar or save this article and refer to it throughout the year so you can show support to law enforcement and first responders!