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

Quick Scoop

  • National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is held annually on January 9 , regardless of the day of the week.
  • It was first established in 2015 by several law enforcement–support organizations to recognize the service and sacrifice of officers.
  • The day is sometimes shortened to “L.E.A.D.” and is widely marked by local events, social media campaigns, and community thank‑you efforts.

A Bit of Background

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day grew out of efforts by groups such as Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and others who wanted a dedicated day of public support amid increasing scrutiny of policing. Since 2015, more organizations and communities have joined in, turning January 9 into a recurring moment to highlight the difficult and often dangerous work law enforcement officers perform.

How People Mark The Day

  • Wearing blue clothing or displaying blue lights at home or in businesses.
  • Sending notes, cards, or treats to local police departments or sheriff’s offices.
  • Sharing positive stories or thank‑you messages for officers on social media using hashtags like #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay.

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