Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 97 / Thursday, May 19, 2022 / Presidential Documents 30389 

Proclamation 10397 of May 13, 2022 

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2022 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

For generations, courageous men and women of our Nation’s law enforcement 

community have dedicated their lives to protecting us in big cities, small 

towns, and suburban neighborhoods across America. Each morning, police 

officers pin on their shield and walk out the door to go to work, hoping 

they will come home safely. Last year, a record number of law enforcement 

officers died in the line of duty. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and 

during Police Week, we express our gratitude for these selfless public servants 

who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and honor those who 

lost their lives in the line of duty. 

As we see a rise 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 is why the American Rescue 

Plan provided $350 billion that cities, States, counties, and tribes can use 

to hire more police officers and invest in proven strategies like community 

violence intervention, youth programming, and other supportive services. 

It is also why my proposed 2023 budget more than doubles funding for 

effective community policing through the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program. In addition, my budget increases support for the United 

States Marshals and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, so they can apprehend fugitives and fight illegal gun trafficking. 

Gun violence not only affects community members, it also targets law enforcement officers. Last month at the White House, surrounded by law enforcment, 

community leaders, and families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, 

we announced that the Department of Justice is reining in the proliferation 

of ‘‘ghost guns’’—privately-made firearms without serial numbers that are 

increasingly showing up on our streets and being used to attack law enforcement officers and members of the public. 

My Administration is also committed to supporting programs that protect 

the physical safety of our law enforcement—more bulletproof vests, active 

shooter trainings, and early warnings of threats targeting officers. We must 

also do more to protect our officers’ mental health and emotional wellbeing. Suicide and COVID–19 were among the leading causes of death 

for law enforcement officers in 2021. Last November, I was proud to sign 

into law three bills that extend critical peer counseling and mental health 

resources for officers, expand eligibility and benefits for first responders 

disabled in the line of duty, and protect Federal law enforcement serving 

abroad. Our officers swear an oath to protect us, and we owe them the 

same pledge. 

We must not abandon our streets or accept the false choice between public 

safety and equal justice. The solution is not to defund our police. It is 

to make our streets more secure through policing that treats everyone with 

dignity and respect. It is to provide officers with the resources, tools, and 

training they need to keep our neighborhoods safe. 

During Police Week, let us demonstrate our appreciation for the unsung 

heroes who nobly wear the badge and put their lives at risk to protect 

people each and every day. Let us honor the brave officers whose bright 


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30390 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 97 / Thursday, May 19, 2022 / Presidential Documents 

futures were cut short in the line of duty. Let us come together to help 

police be the partners and protectors our communities and our Nation need 

for a safer, more just America. 

By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), 

and by Public Law 103–322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136–137), the President 

has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as 

‘‘Peace Officers Memorial Day’’ and the week in which it falls as ‘‘Police 

Week.’’ 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2022, as Peace Officers Memorial 

Day and May 15 through May 21, 2022, as Police Week. I call upon all 

Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities 

and salute our Nation’s brave law enforcement officers and remember their 

peace officer brothers and sisters who have given their last full measure 

of devotion in the line of duty. I also call on the Governors of the United 

States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, 

to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial 

Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from 

their homes and businesses on that day. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day 

of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortysixth. 

[FR Doc. 2022–10883 

Filed 5–18–22; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3395–F2–P 


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