Giving Thanks to Officers on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
What to Know
- The day aims to acknowledge the difficult career of law enforcement officers and reinforce community trust and support amid ongoing scrutiny.
- Community members are encouraged to wear blue, send thank-you cards, share positive stories on social media, and participate in events like Project Blue Light.
- The National Law Enforcement Museum offers free admission on January 9th, featuring exhibits, a K-9 demonstration, and a tribute to fallen officers, fostering public appreciation.
On today, January 9, 2026, in observance of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the OFFICER Media Group would like to thank law enforcement officers throughout the country for their service and dedication to keeping the public safe. For those who have been steadfast in their commitment to the profession, we'd like to say: Thank You!
As part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, national organizations; state, local and federal officials; as well as law enforcement throughout the country are encouraging public recognition of officers’ service amid continued scrutiny of the profession.
Concerns of Police Survivors Inc. (C.O.P.S.) notes that the annual observance, also known as L.E.A.D., is intended to remind officers that their work is valued by the communities they serve, particularly during a period of sustained criticism of law enforcement nationwide.
“Each year, we will call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement,” the organization says on their website. “Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged to take time on January 9th to show their support.”
C.O.P.S. emphasized that the day is designed to acknowledge what it described as “the difficult and sometimes impossible career” officers have chosen in public service. The organization encouraged community members to take visible and direct actions, including wearing blue, sending cards or letters to local agencies, sharing positive law enforcement interactions on social media, participating in Project Blue Light, coordinating blood drives, and posting a public service announcement provided by C.O.P.S.
“Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer,” the organization said.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa also marked the occasion, calling on Americans to express appreciation directly to officers they encounter.
“Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, but especially tomorrow, we offer our gratitude to our country’s men and women [in blue],” Grassley said in a statement. “When you meet one of them you should say, ‘Thank you for keeping the peace.’”
Grassley cited recent national crime trends and enforcement outcomes in his remarks, stating that “violent crime is down 12% and murders across our major cities are down 20%,” and pointing to large-scale drug seizures involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. He attributed those outcomes to what he described as “the hard work of law enforcement’s very courageous work.”
As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley said he has continued to support law enforcement through federal funding and legislation. He highlighted what he described as historic support for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and the Community Oriented Policing Services program through the Working Families Tax Cut law. He also referenced four bipartisan Judiciary Committee bills passed during Police Week in May that became law through the National Defense Authorization Act.
According to Grassley, those measures expanded access to federal support for law enforcement and their families, strengthened efforts to combat online child exploitation, and broadened counter-drone authorities for state and local agencies.
“We’re very fortunate that this type of legislation is mostly bipartisan in the Congress,” Grassley said. “To all those who have selflessly answered the call to keep our communities safe, I say thank you.”
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund announced it will mark Law Enforcement Appreciation Day by offering free admission to the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in partnership with Whelen Engineering.
According to the organization, visitors will have access to hundreds of historical artifacts, immersive exhibits, and a K-9 officer demonstration scheduled for 2 p.m. The museum will also present its “Service and Sacrifice” film experience beginning at noon and recurring every hour throughout the day.
Across the street from the museum, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial honors 24,412 officers killed in the line of duty, with each name hand-engraved over a 30-year period. The museum is also featuring a new exhibit, “In the Pictures: Portrayals of Law Enforcement in Film and Television,” exploring eight decades of law enforcement representation in popular culture. The exhibit is open through spring 2026.
The Memorial Fund noted that admission is free to the public, though space is limited and advance registration is recommended.