In-person hopes: National Police Week moved to October

Organizers say moving the event back a few months will give them an “opportunity” for in-person attendance

March 11, 2021 12:51 PM

candlelight vigil national police week washington — People hold candles, as the Washington Monument stands in the background, during the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Annual Candlelight Vigil to commemorate new names added to the monument, in a ceremony at the National Mall in Washington, Monday, May 13, 2019.

By Suzie Ziegler

WASHINGTON — Organizers of National Police Week say the event will be moved to October to “assure opportunity for in-person attendance.” The annual event -- which usually takes place in May -- was virtual last year due to the ongoing pandemic.

In a press release Thursday, organizers announced hopes for in-person attendance and a new schedule of events. The events include:

Oct. 14 – NLEOMF Candlelight Vigil
Oct. 15 – COPS. National Police Survivors’ Conference
Oct. 16 – FOP 40th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service

National Police Week is hosted by the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEOMF), the Fraternal Order of Police and Auxiliary (FOP), and Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS).

According to the release, organizers were unable to secure permits for the planned dates in May due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ongoing vaccine distribution has many optimistic that normal operations could return by fall.