Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD)

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD) is January 9th

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is a day for our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career people in law enforcement have chosen in public service to us all.

Facts About Law Enforcement and Outreach

In 2019, there were 228 officer suicides nationwide and 172 in 2018. The ultimate goal of LEAD is to recognize the difficulties people in law enforcement may face, and to build a larger focus on officer/law enforcement wellness and support from the community.

The Department of Justice recently launched the HERE, HELP, HOPE campaign. It is for anyone who is in law enforcement. At anytime anyone can call 1-800-273-TALK or text “blue” to 741741.

C.O.P.S. National Conference also supports National LEAD by holding a conference that offers needed focus on officer wellness and the need to proactively address the cumulative stresses that can occur over an officer’s career. This conference is for all law enforcement officers (active or retired) nationwide.

How You Can Show Your Support for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers.
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
• Post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your organization’s web page or social media pages.
• Coordinate and/or participate in a Blue Blood Drive.

The most important thing you can do on this day is to thank a person in law enforcement for the work they do every day.