Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Free Offers Discounts And Ways To Support Officers

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on January 9th in the United States, providing a dedicated opportunity for citizens to express gratitude and support for the nation's law enforcement officers. Additionally, National Police Week is observed this year between May 12 and May 18, honoring those who serve and those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. These occasions highlight the importance of recognizing the difficult and often thankless work performed by law enforcement professionals who keep communities safe and help ensure citizens can go about their daily lives with peace of mind.

History and Significance of Law Enforcement Appreciation

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was established in 2015 by multiple organizations to express gratitude for officers across the United States. The primary organization leading this initiative is C.O.P.S – Concerns of Police Survivors. The holiday was created in response to a chain of events in 2014, when a police officer was involved in a crossfire shooting in Missouri. The subsequent backlash and violence against law enforcement led C.O.P.S. to initiate a positive movement to counteract the negative portrayal of police officers in media coverage.

The organization recognized the importance of supporting the approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers in the United States during challenging times. A dedicated day of appreciation serves as a reminder that the difficult career path chosen by these officers is recognized and valued by the communities they protect and serve.

The history of law enforcement in the United States reflects its evolution from loose enforcement methods in the early days of the nation to more structured systems. During the "Wild West" era, law enforcement was often carried out through posse comitatus, where sheriffs would lead volunteers and deputies to enforce laws. By the 20th century, most larger cities, counties, and states had developed centralized police or sheriff's departments, leading to a more orderly society despite challenges during periods of civil unrest and labor strikes.

Ways to Show Appreciation to Law Enforcement

There are numerous ways to show support and appreciation for law enforcement officers, both during National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and throughout the year:

• Express gratitude verbally: A simple "thank you" to a law enforcement officer can have a significant impact. These small acknowledgments of their service and sacrifice are often deeply appreciated.
• Buy meals or beverages: When encountering police officers at restaurants or coffee shops, offering to pay for their meal or drink is a common way to show appreciation.
• Provide food from trusted sources: Law enforcement officers exercise caution when accepting food from people they don't know. They typically accept food from local restaurants or individuals they recognize.
• Wear blue in solidarity: Wearing blue clothing demonstrates support for police officers and raises awareness of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
• Share positive experiences on social media: Posting about positive interactions with law enforcement helps counteract negative narratives and shows support for their work.
• Change profile pictures: Using a badge or thin blue line logo as a profile picture on social media helps promote awareness and support.
• Write letters or send cards: Expressing appreciation through written communication to local police departments is a meaningful gesture.
• Follow laws respectfully: Adhering to laws serves as a fundamental form of respect for law enforcement services.
• Participate in honorary ceremonies: Various ceremonies and award distributions are held at state and federal levels to recognize police officers and rangers.
• Host special gatherings: Offering a meal, small gift, or organizing a special event can demonstrate appreciation, though officers typically prefer such recognition to come from known sources.

Business Discounts and Free Offers for Law Enforcement

Several businesses offer discounts and special promotions to support law enforcement officers and other first responders:

Food and Beverage Discounts

• Chick-fil-A: Many locations offer discounts for law enforcement officers in uniform. However, the specific percentage off varies by location since each restaurant is operated by local franchise owners. Officers are encouraged to inquire directly with their local Chick-fil-A restaurant about available discounts.

• Fire Department Coffee: This company provides a lifetime 15% discount to all first responders, including law enforcement officers, as well as emergency dispatchers, active military members, and veterans.

Meal Kit Services

• Home Chef: The meal kit company offers a 50% discount on the first order for first responders and an ongoing 10% discount on each subsequent recurring box.

Free Educational Resources

• Police Week Coloring Bundle: Available as a free resource for classrooms, events, or at-home activities, this set features police-themed coloring pages designed to help children show appreciation for officers in different units. The designs include:
  • A male officer with a thank you message
  • A female officer with a thank you message
  • A K9 unit image
  • A bicycle unit officer
  • A police officer in a boat

This educational resource aligns with curriculum standards and can serve as a study tool for certain literary selections.

Statistics About Law Enforcement

Understanding the scope and challenges of law enforcement work provides context for why appreciation is important:

• There are approximately 708,569 law enforcement officers in the United States, which was the all-time high reached in 2008.
• The lowest recorded number of officers was 626,942 in 2013.
• About one-third of a police officer's time is spent on enforcing criminal law.
• In 2017, 46 officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty, including 9 female officers.
• Approximately 292 officers serve in the United States Mint Police.
• National Night Out events, which bring residents together with local law enforcement, attract about 2.5 million participants annually.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Dates

For those planning to show appreciation, here are the upcoming dates for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day:

• 2026: January 9 (Friday)
• 2027: January 9 (Saturday)
• 2028: January 9 (Sunday)
• 2029: January 9 (Tuesday)
• 2030: January 9 (Wednesday)

Conclusion

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and National Police Week provide important opportunities for citizens to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of law enforcement officers. While appreciation should be expressed throughout the year, these designated occasions help raise awareness and encourage broader community support.

Various businesses offer discounts and special promotions to support officers, including food services, coffee companies, and meal kit providers. Additionally, free educational resources are available to help younger generations understand and appreciate the work of law enforcement personnel. By combining personal expressions of gratitude, support from businesses, and educational initiatives, communities can demonstrate the value placed on those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

Sources

1. Proud Police Wife - National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
2. National Today - National Law Enforcement Day
3. Live Now Fox - Police Food Deals and Discounts
4. Teachers Pay Teachers - Police Appreciation Free Resources