Trending Topics

Can’t make it to National Police Week in D.C.?

Events will be held in-person in our nation’s capital, but there are still plenty of ways you can virtually observe and participate

52926948024_863a98d5f4_o (1).jpg

National Police Week runs from May 12-18 in Washington, D.C.

Photo/National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

This year’s National Police Week, which runs from May 12-18 in Washington, D.C., includes a variety of events taking place throughout the week.

From the Police Unity Tour to the Candlelight Vigil, law enforcement officers, family members of the fallen and supporters from across the country will gather to mourn our nation’s officers who died in the line of duty.

And even though this year’s events are held in person, you can still virtually observe and participate. Below, we’ve rounded up five ways you can stay connected and in the know about scheduled events.

1. Follow social pages to stay in the know


This year’s schedule of events can be found here, but many who cannot attend in person want to go a step beyond this. If you’re looking for ways to participate still and honor the fallen, here are some suggestions.

First, follow these social media pages:

Then, search and follow these hashtags on your chosen social media platform throughout the week:

  • Police Unity Tour hashtags: #PoliceUnityTour, #PoliceUnityTour2024 and #WeRideForThoseWhoDied
  • National Police Week hashtags: #NationalPoliceWeek, #PoliceWeek and #NationalPoliceWeek2024

2. Livestream NLEOMF’s Candlelight Vigil


This year’s 36th Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held on Monday, May 13 at 8 p.m. EST. For those attending in person, it will take place at the National Mall (between 4th and 7th Streets and Madison and Jefferson Drives).

However, the Candlelight Vigil will also be livestreamed on NLEOMF’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages, as well as online.

3. Host a memorial event at your agency

Each year, departments around the country make it a priority to hold their own National Police Week memorial events. These events honor each department’s fallen officers and allow participants to honor and mourn the fallen without making the trip to D.C.

While each memorial is unique to its department and location, they all have one thing in common: to honor officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice

4. Share with others why National Police Week is important and join the Below 100 Pledge


For many, writing is therapeutic – especially when it comes to honoring and remembering a fallen law enforcement officer. Police1 welcomes contributions from officers and you can find out more about our article guidelines and FAQs we receive from new authors here.

If you’re looking to make a difference locally, don’t forget to reach out to your local newspaper. Pitch an idea to a newspaper’s editor about why National Police Week is important not only for officers and families of the fallen but for your community as well.

And if you’re not the writer type, you can share some of Police1’s latest National Police Week articles with your department or colleagues to keep the conversation going:

Last but not least, the mission of Below 100 is to reduce line-of-duty police deaths to fewer than 100 each year. The five principles of Below 100 are:

  • Wear your seat belt
  • Watch your speed
  • Wear your vest
  • W.I.N. – What’s important now?
  • Remember: Complacency kills!

Download, sign and share the Below 100 pledge here.

5. Follow Police1’s live coverage of National Police Week

This year, Police1 will be reporting live in Washington, D.C. during National Police Week.

By following Police1 on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, you’ll have access to real-time updates, live reporting and exclusive content direct from the heart of the event. Our coverage will not only bring you the solemn ceremonies and activities as they unfold but will also provide insights and interviews that are crucial for law enforcement officers.

Join us as we pay tribute to the heroes who have given their all in service to our safety.

Want to know more about how National Police Week started? We’ve created a special video that dives deep into the history, significance and events of Police Week. Learn about the origins of this observance and the impactful ceremonies that take place. Our video provides a heartfelt look at what Police Week means to the families, friends and fellow officers of those we remember.

This article, originally published in May 2023, has been updated.

Sarah Calams, who previously served as associate editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com, is the senior editor of Police1.com and Corrections1.com. In addition to her regular editing duties, Sarah delves deep into the people and issues that make up the public safety industry to bring insights and lessons learned to first responders everywhere.

Sarah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in news/editorial journalism at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Have a story idea you’d like to discuss? Send Sarah an email or reach out on LinkedIn.