National Police Week 2010

This week, 9-15 May, is National Police Week, a  time designated to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement personnel.

Established in 1962 by a joint resolution of Congress which was signed by President John F. Kennedy, National Police Week pays special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Ceremonies are held in Washington, DC, and in communities across the country.

One of many persons in and out of law enforcement who have been commenting on this week and the law enforcement personnel it supports, Ann M. Harkins, National Crime Prevention Council President, said in a prepared statement, “National Police Week is a time when we honor the memory of American law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service to the public. Few things are more important to our communities and to our quality of life than a sense of safety and security, and it’s our law enforcement officers who make safer communities possible through partnerships and effective crime prevention programs.”

Presidential Proclamation:

     Presidential Proclamation: Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week

1962 Congressional Resolution Establishing National Police Week:

     Joint Resolution of Congress, 1 October 1962

The names of 324 U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty will be formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of 13 May. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder will deliver the keynote address and lead the lighting of candles and reading of the names of the fallen officers. The 324 officers include 116 who died in the line of duty during 2009 (the lowest annual total in five decades) plus another 208 officers who died earlier in history but whose sacrifice had not been previously documented.