Peace Officers Memorial Day is a day of remembrance observed annually in the United States on May 15th. It is a day to honor and pay tribute to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Peace Officers Memorial Day was created by a joint resolution of the United States Congress. On October 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726, which designated May 15th of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This legislation also established the week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week.
The idea for a memorial day to honor fallen law enforcement officers originated from a proposal by Representative Floyd Breeding of Kansas. He introduced the bill in 1961, seeking to establish a national day of remembrance for peace officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty. The bill gained support from various law enforcement organizations, and after passing through both houses of Congress, it was signed into law by President Kennedy in 1962.
The observance takes place during National Police Week in which May 15th falls and is dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and to promote police-community partnerships.
In the United States, a peace officer is a term used to refer to individuals who hold law enforcement positions and are empowered to enforce laws and maintain peace within their jurisdictions. The specific roles and qualifications may vary from state to state, but generally, peace officers include the following:
Police Officers: Police officers are the most common type of peace officers. They work at the city, county, or state level and have the authority to enforce laws, conduct investigations, make arrests, and ensure public safety.
Sheriff's Deputies: Sheriff's deputies are law enforcement officers who work for the county sheriff's office. They have similar responsibilities as police officers, including maintaining order, serving warrants, and patrolling their jurisdictions.
State Troopers/Highway Patrol Officers: State troopers or highway patrol officers are peace officers who primarily focus on traffic enforcement and public safety on state highways and roads. They may also have jurisdiction over other law enforcement matters within the state.
Federal Law Enforcement Officers: Various federal agencies employ peace officers to enforce federal laws and protect national interests. Examples include agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Marshals Service.
Park Rangers: Park rangers employed by federal, state, or local agencies serve as peace officers within national parks, state parks, and other protected areas. They enforce park regulations, provide visitor assistance, and ensure public safety.
Campus Police Officers: Campus police officers work for colleges, universities, or school districts. They are responsible for maintaining security on campus, enforcing laws and regulations, and protecting students, faculty, and staff.
Please note that these are general categories for a peace officer, and there may be additional law enforcement positions that fall under the definition of peace officers, depending on local and state jurisdictions. Each state has its own laws and requirements regarding peace officer qualifications and authorities.
Peace Officers With Outstanding Legacy Worthy Memories
Serpico (Frank Serpico): Serpico, a former New York City Police Department detective, is known for his courageous efforts to expose widespread corruption within the police department in the 1960s and 1970s. His actions led to reforms and increased accountability in law enforcement. The 1973 movie, Serpico, starred Al Pacino who one the Oscar for best actor.
Alice Stebbins Wells: Alice Stebbins Wells holds the distinction of being the first-ever female police officer with arrest powers in the United States. In 1910, she was appointed as a Los Angeles police officer, paving the way for women to serve in law enforcement roles. Wells advocated for improved conditions for female officers, including equal pay and more diverse responsibilities. Her trailblazing efforts opened doors for women in law enforcement and helped break down gender barriers in the profession.
Joe Arpaio: Sheriff Joe Arpaio served as the sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, for 24 years. Known for his tough stance on crime and immigration, he gained national attention for his controversial practices and policies, including the establishment of Tent City, a controversial outdoor jail.
William J. Bratton: Bratton is a renowned law enforcement executive who served as the police commissioner for the cities of New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. He is credited with implementing innovative policing strategies, such as the "broken windows" theory, and successfully reducing crime rates in the cities he led.
William H. Parker: Parker was the police chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) from 1950 to 1966. He implemented numerous reforms, professionalized the department, and emphasized a strong commitment to community policing.
August Vollmer: Vollmer is considered a pioneer in modern policing. He served as the police chief of Berkeley, California, and is known for his innovative approaches to law enforcement, including the use of technology, training programs, and community engagement.
Elliot Ness: Ness was a federal agent known for leading a team of law enforcement officers called "The Untouchables" during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. They were responsible for targeting and bringing down notorious gangster Al Capone.
J. Edgar Hoover: Hoover served as the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1935 until his death in 1972. While controversial, his leadership transformed the FBI into a professional and effective federal law enforcement agency.
Deborah L. Johnson: Johnson was the first African-American woman to serve as a chief of police in a major U.S. city. She served as the chief of the Phoenix Police Department from 1994 to 1996 and implemented community-oriented policing strategies.
Bernard Kerik: Kerik is a former New York City Police Commissioner who led the department during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. He played a crucial role in coordinating law enforcement efforts and restoring public safety and order in the city.
These Peace Officers have made significant contributions to law enforcement, public safety, and civil rights. While their legacies may be subject to differing opinions and controversies, their impact on the field of law enforcement is notable.
On Peace Officers Memorial Day, various ceremonies and events are held across the country to remember fallen officers and show support for their families and colleagues. The main event is the National Peace Officers Memorial Service held on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. During the service, the names of officers who have died in the line of duty in the previous year are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Peace Officers Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in their efforts to protect and serve their communities. It provides an opportunity for the public to express gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.
Peace Officers Memorial Day has been observed annually on May 15th as a way to recognize and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in service to their communities.
Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th falls prior to Memorial Day held on the last Monday in May.