National Police Week: Dates and Recognition Ideas
National Police Week falls in mid-May each year. What the week includes, how agencies and communities mark it, and when to order recognition items for 2027.
National Police Week is observed each May during the week that includes May 15, which is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Agencies typically mark it with memorial ceremonies, award events, and community appreciation, and for the 2027 cycle that means planning around mid-May 2027.
This guide covers what happens during the week, recognition ideas that fit it, how outside groups can take part respectfully, and the planning order that gets items in hand before the first ceremony.
When Is National Police Week?
Police Week is typically the mid-May week containing May 15. May 15 itself is Peace Officers Memorial Day, when flags are traditionally flown at half-staff for officers lost in the line of duty. National events center on Washington, DC, while most agencies hold their own local ceremonies the same week.
How Do Agencies Mark the Week?
Most agencies balance remembrance with recognition across the week, so the calendar usually carries both solemn and celebratory events.
- Memorial ceremonies honoring officers lost in the line of duty.
- Awards events recognizing valor, lifesaving, and service milestones.
- Community open houses and school visits.
- Appreciation meals hosted by local groups and businesses.
What Recognition Ideas Fit Police Week?
Physical recognition works during Police Week because the items outlast the events. A few formats come up year after year.
- Commemorative coins for the year’s observance or a memorial ceremony.
- Memorial plaques that add honored names in a permanent finish.
- Officer-of-the-year awards presented at the week’s event.
- Appreciation gifts from community partners, kept modest and sincere.
How Can Businesses and Community Groups Take Part?
Outside groups often want to give something during the week. Do it as a gift from your organization, not as official department merchandise: many agencies have gift policies, and a quick call to the department’s community liaison sorts out what is welcome.
When Should You Order for May 2027?
Custom coins and plaques are made to order, and May is a busy season for recognition work. Order as soon as the ceremony dates are confirmed, then work through the steps below.
| Step | What To Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Settle items and quantities |
| 2 | Finalize artwork, request proofs |
| 3 | Approve proofs, enter production |
| 4 | Receive and check orders |
| 5 | Stage items for the week |
Treat the steps as a guide rather than a calendar: complex casting runs longer, simple engraving runs shorter, and a quote confirms real dates for your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
It typically falls during the mid-May week containing May 15, 2027. Individual agencies set their own event dates within and around that week, so confirm local ceremony dates with the department.
May 15, the annual day honoring law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Flags are traditionally flown at half-staff, and it anchors National Police Week.
Memorial recognitions, valor and lifesaving awards, service milestone honors, and commemorative coins for the year’s observance. Award events are often scheduled alongside the memorial ceremony.
Usually yes, within the agency’s gift policy. Keep items modest, route the offer through the department’s community liaison, and present them as appreciation from your organization.
Only with that department’s permission, since the badge is its mark. Without permission, use a generic flag, star, or remembrance design instead, which most agencies receive comfortably.
Getting Ahead of Police Week 2027?
Tell us what your agency or group wants to present and when. We will send a free design proof and a quote that fits the May calendar.