National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is observed every year on January 9 in the United States.

Quick Scoop

  • Date every year: January 9.
  • Type of day: National observance to thank and support law enforcement officers.
  • Next observance: January 9, 2027 will also fall on this same date, as it does every year.

What the day is about

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (often shortened to L.E.A.D.) was created in 2015 by several law-enforcement–related organizations to show gratitude for officers’ daily service and sacrifices. It encourages communities to recognize the risks officers take and the role they play in public safety.

Common ways people observe it

Many groups and communities suggest simple gestures, such as:

  • Wearing blue or using blue porch lights to “back the blue.”
  • Posting messages of thanks or stories on social media on January 9.
  • Sending notes, letters, or care packages to local departments.
  • Attending local appreciation events, ceremonies, or blood drives organized with police participation.

In many towns, January 9 is marked by small, local gestures rather than big national ceremonies, but the shared theme is simply saying “thank you” to the officers who serve.

Brief TL;DR

  • When is law enforcement appreciation day? January 9 every year.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.