The law enforcement profession is full of dangers and turmoils, with many officers putting their lives on the line to keep people safe. On National Law Enforcement Day, we show these heroes gratitude for their efforts and remember all the powerful ways they make our lives better, more secure, and more enjoyable. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s National Law Enforcement Day?

👉 Official Name: National Law Enforcement Day
💚 Cause: Show support and gratitude for local law enforcement officers
📅 Next Date: January 9, 2026
🌐 Official Website: https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/l-e-a-df7343139
🐦 Hashtag: #NationalLawEnforcementDay, #NationalLawEnforcementAppreciationDay

Keep reading to find all the important information about National Law Enforcement Day at a glance: its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About National Law Enforcement Day at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: National Law Enforcement Day, or Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD), is a call to action for Americans to support local police officers and agencies. This event aims to connect local law enforcement with the citizens they protect to offer appreciation for the difficult career path these brave men and women have taken to serve and uphold the law. Through wholesome gestures, like wearing blue, writing thank-you notes, and organizing dedicated fundraisers, this occasion unites communities to show gratitude and respect for their local police.

2️⃣ Why it is important: As of 2025, over 800,000 police officers are serving US citizens. They are crucial first responders who serve the law, maintain peace, and protect communities from disorder and criminality. Law enforcement is a fundamental component of any functioning society and plays a vital role in ensuring public safety. Thanks to law enforcement, we can go about our daily lives, knowing there are dedicated professionals working to protect us and our communities. Unfortunately, law enforcement is more often than not a thankless job. Even worse, these uncelebrated heroes go through very traumatic incidents such as violent crimes, accidents, and deaths, which makes them prone to developing PTSD. 

3️⃣ How you can get involved: You can celebrate National Law Enforcement Day by raising awareness of the event, involving yourself with your local police agency, or displaying symbolic blue lights:

1. Show public support: A popular idea for today is to wear blue clothing in support of the police or change your profile photo on social media to a police badge or a thin blue line logo. In addition, you can share on social media a story about a positive law enforcement experience you had and add this event’s hashtags. 
2. Thank your local police: Today, many people choose to write simple, yet impactful thank-you notes to their local police agencies. Or you can try baking and sending some batches of “Thank you” cookies. In addition, you can organize a fundraiser with your family, workplace, or community, and donate the money to law enforcement in need. 
3. Display blue lights: Join this event’s organizer’s Blue Light Project. For this, you only have to shine a blue light on your porch or windows or decorate even more if you want. This gesture honors both the current police force and fallen officers. 
4. Interact with local police: Use this day to volunteer at local law enforcement agencies or take guest tours around their stations. By witnessing a day in the life of these first responders, you can better understand their challenges.

Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for National Law Enforcement Day:

• Best Charities That Support Police Officers
• Best Charities for Law Enforcement in the US

A Brief History of National Law Enforcement Day

When was this event established: National Law Enforcement Day was first observed in 2015, in response to negativity surrounding law enforcement after an officer-involved shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, in August 2014, which caused a series of protests and riots throughout the city. To counteract this negativity, Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) partnered with other organizations dedicated to police well-being and established this observance to encourage citizens to show appreciation to their local law enforcement and to recognize the difficulty of this career.

How has it developed since then: Over the years, many more organizations and individuals across the US have joined forces on National Law Enforcement Day to raise awareness of the issues police officers face and inspire community support. For example, institutions like the National Sheriffs’ Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the Department of Homeland Security have all joined this movement to show recognition for the efforts of law enforcement officers countrywide. 

3 Interesting Facts About National Law Enforcement Day

1. Not that many guns: Many people in the US think police officers frequently fire their guns. In reality, according to the Pew Research Center, only about 27% of officers report having ever discharged their service weapon while on duty, outside of training and target practice. Most officers focus on community relations and non-lethal responses rather than lethal force, and, fortunately, over 99% of police calls are resolved peacefully, without involving any bodily harm. 
2. Police wanted: A recent survey showed that over 95% of inner-city, poor, and minority communities want more or the same police presence in their area. In addition, over 70% of Americans are satisfied with their local law enforcement. This is aligned with what a 2021 study found, namely that a 10% decrease in local police presence results in a 7% increase in crime. 
3. Good for taxpayers: A 2018 statistic showed that for every $1 spent on local police, citizens reap $1.63 in revenue and budget savings. This is because effective law enforcement helps local governments by attracting greater investments, increasing tax revenues, and stimulating economic activity and job growth. 

Upcoming Dates of National Law Enforcement Day

National Law Enforcement Day is observed every year on January 9. 

Never Miss an Important Awareness Event Again

Sources

• Concerns of Police Survivors: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.)
• NLEOMF: Key Data About The Profession
• Rasmussen University: What is Law Enforcement? A Layout of What You Need to Know
• Palm Point Behavioral Health: Common Mental Health Disorders In Police Officers
• Freepik: Police Badge Images
• Wikipedia: thin blue line
• Double the Donation: 200+ Amazing Fundraising Ideas to Help You Reach Your Goals
• Concerns of Police Survivors: Project Blue Light
• Borough of Hillsdale Mayor Proclamation: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
• Concerns of Police Survivors: home page
• National Sheriffs’ Association: National Law Enforcement Day
• NAPO: National Law Enforcement Day
• Department of Homeland Security: On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Department of Homeland Security Releases Comprehensive Resource Guide for Law Enforcement
• SWFL Heroes Foundation: 10 POLICE OFFICER FACTS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW
• Police defense: 10 facts about law enforcement
• NPR: When You Add More Police To A City, What Happens?