For generations, brave men and women in our nation`s law enforcement community have dedicated their lives to protecting us in big cities, small towns, and suburbs across America. Every morning, the police pin their signs and go out to work, hoping they will return home safely. Last year, a record number of law enforcement officers died in the line of duty. On Peace Officers` Memorial Day and Police Week, we express our gratitude to these selfless officers who put themselves on the line to protect us and honour those who lost their lives in the line of duty. As we see an increase in gun violence and other violent crimes, it is critical that we fund law enforcement with the resources and training they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. That`s why the American Rescue Plan has provided $350 billion that cities, states, counties and tribes can use to hire more police officers and invest in proven strategies such as community violence intervention, youth programs and other support services. It is also why my proposed budget for 2023 more than doubles funding for effective community policing through the Community Policing Hiring Program. In addition, my budget increases support for the United States Marshals and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives so that they can arrest refugees and combat the illegal arms trade. Gun violence not only affects community members, but also targets law enforcement officers.

Last month at the White House, surrounded by law enforcement, community leaders, and families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, we announced that the Justice Department was curbing the proliferation of “ghost guns” — privately manufactured guns without serial numbers that are increasingly appearing on our streets and are being used to attack law enforcement officials. law and members of the public. My administration is also committed to supporting programs that protect the physical safety of our law enforcement agencies – bulletproof vests, active marksmanship training, and early warning of threats to public servants. We must also do more to protect the mental health and emotional well-being of our officers. Suicide and COVID-19 were among the leading causes of death for law enforcement officials in 2021. Last November, I was proud to sign three bills that expand essential peer counselling and mental health resources for public servants, expand eligibility and benefits for first responders who are disabled in the performance of their duties, and protect federal law enforcement agencies abroad. Our officers take an oath to protect us, and we owe them the same promise. We must not abandon our streets or accept the false choice between public safety and equal justice.

The solution is not to defuse our police. It`s about making our roads safer through police services that treat everyone with dignity and respect. It`s about providing officers with the resources, tools and training they need to keep our neighbourhoods safe. During Police Week, let`s show our appreciation for the unsung heroes who nobly wear the badge and risk their lives to protect people every day. Let us pay tribute to the brave officers whose bright future has been interrupted in the line of duty. Let`s come together to help police be the partners and protectors our communities and nation need for a safer and more just America. A joint resolution of 1 October 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C.

136-137), authorized and directed the President to declare May 15 of each year “Peace Officers` Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls “Police Week.” THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, hereby declare May 15, 2022, as Peace Officers` Day of Remembrance and the 15th anniversary of the United States of America. From May to May 21, 2022 for Police Week. I call on all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities, to salute our country`s brave law enforcement officers, and to remember their brothers and sisters as peace officers who, in the line of duty, gave their last measure of dedication. I also call on the governors of the United States and its territories, as well as the relevant officials of all government units, to order that the flag be raised on Peace Officers` Remembrance Day with half of the staff. I also encourage all Americans to fly the flag that day with half the staff of their homes and businesses. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereby laid down my hand on the thirteenth day of May, in the year of grace two thousand and twenty-two, and the independence of the United States of America on the two hundred and forty-sixth. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy on May 15 for Peace Officers` Memorial Day and the following week, National Police Week. A memorial service began in 1982 as a rally in Senate Park, Washington D.C. We must not forget that these law enforcement officers are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, brothers and sisters. Every day, they wake up with the hope of contributing to a safer, more peaceful and more prosperous world.

708,569 – The highest number of law enforcement officers ever in 2008. The U.S. Attorney General`s Office thanks the men and women of law enforcement for the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to the rule of law they demonstrate every day. We recognize that you are making our cases possible, and we will continue to work together in 2022 to promote justice and public safety.