In 1963, several months after John F. Kennedy signed the measure into law in October 1962, we began observing Peace Officers Memorial Day officially.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually on May 15 to honour local, state, and federal peace officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. During Police Week, the day is commemorated in Washington, D.C., with a memorial service, a candlelight vigil, and remarks honouring fallen officers. Since we owe so much to those who maintain peace, we’ve compiled the day’s history and the best methods to express your gratitude.
In 1963, several months after John F. Kennedy signed the measure into law in October 1962, we began observing Peace Officers Memorial Day officially. Kennedy began his proclamation concerning the events of May 1963 by stating that “law enforcement officers have played an important role” since “the beginning of this nation.” However, the evolution of the peace officers we know and respect today is more recent than you may believe.
The first enforcement officers in the United States were employed privately by affluent individuals to safeguard their assets. In the mid-1600s, the first public peace officers appeared in Boston, followed by New York and Philadelphia. They were primarily volunteers who acted as night watchmen and reported poor behaviour by fellow citizens.
Boston continued to be a leader in peace organisation, establishing the first publicly funded, organised police force in 1838, which employed full-time peace officers. By the late 1880s, all main U.S. cities had police departments, although their priorities varied from state to state based on the local problems. The heads of law enforcement were frequently selected by the local political leader, so law enforcement could support the dominant political party.
In 1929, in response, President Hoover initiated an investigation into the efficacy of law enforcement across the nation. It was a turning point in the history of the officers who protect us today, as it demanded that peace officers enforce the law in a professional and impartial manner. It promoted the altruism that is now celebrated annually on May 15th.
Early police officers did not want to wear badges because the enforcement of local regulations was unpopular with the general public.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., whose walls bear the names of more than 21,000 law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty, is the focal point of many of the day’s events.
The National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., adjacent to the Memorial, gives visitors the opportunity to step into the shoes of a peace officer by providing ‘on the job’ experiences such as evidence collection and 9-1-1 emergency contact centres.
On average, only one-third of police officers’ time is spent on criminal law, while two-thirds of their time is spent on peacekeeping and problem-solving.
The United States has nearly 18,000 distinct law enforcement agencies with more than 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers than ever before.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 15 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 15 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 15 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 15 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 15 | Saturday |
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