National Police Week

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. National Police Week is a time to support law enforcement communities while honoring officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

This year, National Police Week is May 14 through May 20, 2023.

Read the Department of Justice press release to learn more and see the National Police Week webpage for a schedule of events.

BJA Programs and Initiatives

BJA is committed to providing programs, like the following, that are specifically designed to help officers and their families.

Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Program
This award honors exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers.

Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program
The BVP Program reimburses states, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribes for up to 50 percent of the cost of body armor vests purchased for law enforcement officers.

Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor (MOV)
The highest national award for valor by a public safety officer, MOV is awarded annually by the President to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.

Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program
The PSOB Program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

VALOR Initiative: Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers and Ensuring Officer Resilience and Survivability
VALOR is designed to prevent violence against law enforcement officers and ensure officer resilience and survivability following violent encounters during the course of their duties.

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