Tomorrow, on January 9th, 2019, partnering organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide are joining the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) to promote a National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.). In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.
Each day 780,000 police officers across our country put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations. On average, between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year, 50,000 officers are assaulted in the line of duty each year, 14,000 officers are injured in the line of duty each year, and over 300 officers commit suicide each year. In 2018, 145 officers were killed in the line of duty across the nation; Arizona lost three officers. There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.
On January 9th, our nation’s citizens will be called to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged to take time on Wednesday, January 9, to show their support. Our citizens can show their support in a number of ways:
* Change your profile picture on social media to the jpg image provided at www.facebook.com/COPSArizona
* 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
* Participate in Project Blue Light – Proudly display your blue light 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 webpage or social media pages
Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer.
National Law Enforcement Organizations that are partnering together include: Concerns of Police Survivors, The Fraternal Order of Police, The FBI National Academy Associates, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, Officer Down Memorial Page, Law Enforcement United, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, International Conference of Police Chaplains, National Trooper’s Coalition, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Police Wives, Wives Behind the Badge, International Union of Police Associations, New Jersey State PBA, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association, Thin Line Support, Police Unity Tour, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the United States Air Force Security Forces and other businesses across the nation.
