National Police Week
Each year our nation loses between 140-160 law enforcement officers in the line of duty. National Police Week (NPW) held May 11 – 17 each year in Washington, D.C. honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers. On May 11 and 12, surviving families and co-workers begin arriving in Washington, D.C. for the week-long events.
Each year on May 13, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund presents its annual Candlelight Vigil - a signature event of National Police Week in Washington, D.C. During the Candlelight Vigil, fallen officers whose names were engraved on the Memorial Wall in 2023 are formally dedicated. The Candlelight Vigil, held on the National Mall, includes the lighting of candles, reading of names, remarks by dignitaries, and musical tributes performed to honor the memory of these fallen officers. Bus transportation to and from this event leaves from C.O.P.S. hotels only
The National Police Survivors' Conference provides surviving family members and co-workers the opportunity to find support and understanding from other survivors, talk with mental health professionals, and attend seminar sessions that will help them and their family address their grief. Conference attendees leave National Police Week and with a greater understanding of the grief process and the support available through C.O.P.S.
C.O.P.S. hosts the Blue Family BBQ giving survivors the chance to relax, listen to music, dance and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner. There will be activities for the entire family including bounce houses, Critters for C.O.P.S. Kids, temporary tattoos, photo booth, and more. There is something for EVERYONE to enjoy!
National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, which is organized by the Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary, will be held on Monday, May 15th, to honor those officers who are to be honored in 2023. Bus transportation to and from this event leaves from C.O.P.S. hotels only.
One member from each family should plan on attending an informational meeting held by the Fraternal Order of Police & Auxiliary on the events of the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. This meeting will give more information on what to expect on the day of the event. Surviving families will be informed of the meeting date and time as the details are confirmed.
Illinois C.O.P.S. offers financial assistance to
eligible family members to attend National Police Week. Please download and submit the appropriate form. This form is only for reimbursement of travel expenses.
First Year Families – Eligible Family Members include the Surviving Spouse along with the following family members and their spouses: Children, Step-Children, Parents, Stepparents, Siblings, the Surviving Spouse’s Siblings, Significant Others/Fiancés, the Parent of the Officer's Minor Child/ren. Also eligible are approved individual CIMT Team Members that reside in the state of Illinois serving as Family Liaison. Individuals must reside in the state of Illinois. Anyone may attend the events at National Police Week and various Memorials. Others may seek assistance by special request to the Illinois COPS Board.
Travel Reimbursed following Chapter SOPs
Returning Survivors – Eligible Family Members include the Surviving Spouse along with the following family members and their spouses: Children, Step-Children, Parents, StepParents, Siblings, the Surviving Spouse’s Siblings, Significant Others/Fiancés, the Parent of the Officer's Minor Child/ren. Also eligible are approved individual CIMT Team Members that reside in the state of Illinois serving as Family Liaison. Individuals must reside in the state of Illinois. Anyone may attend the events at National Police Week and various Memorials. Others may seek assistance by special request to the Illinois COPS Board.
Travel Reimbursed following Chapter SOPs
Family Contact for National Police Week - When we have new survivors attending National Police Week for the first time we try to have a friendly face there to help along the way. If you are interested in becoming a NPW Family Contact please email the Chapter President with your interest and you will receive the SOP that list expectations. You will be asked to complete an Application and the Board will determine the need and best suited Contact person/s each year.
History of National Police Week
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 designating May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. The law was amended by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Public Law 103-322, signed by President Bill Clinton, directing that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15 each year. While the actual dates change from year to year, National Police Week is always the calendar week, beginning on Sunday, which includes May 15.