For almost 50 years, Americans have observed May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that day falls as National Police Week. Flags on government buildings are flown at half-staff, proclamations are issued and ceremonies held to honor the men and women in law enforcement who serve and protect and to remember colleagues who have fallen in the line of duty.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 designating May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. The law was amended by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Public Law 103-322, signed by President Bill Clinton, directing that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15 each year. While the actual dates change from year to year, National Police Week is always the calendar week, beginning on Sunday, which includes May 15.
The UT Dallas Police play an essential role in creating an environment in which teaching, learning, research and community life may flourish. UT Dallas police officers are state certified peace officers with the same authority and responsibilities of sworn law enforcement personnel for cities and other entities. As such, these officers must fulfill significant training requirements before they can don a uniform. Once they do, they are part of a fully functioning, modern law enforcement agency that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Peace Officer's Memorial Day
