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EO 13161Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 13161

Establishment of the Presidential Medal of Valor for Public Safety Officers

This executive order establishes the Presidential Medal of Valor for Public Safety Officers, an annual award recognizing up to ten law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency responders who demonstrate extraordinary valor. The Attorney General recommends candidates by April 1 each year, with presentations timed to coincide with Police Week in May.

Federal Register Open PDF 65 FR 41543

Impact dates

  1. Attorney General recommends recipients to President by April 1 of each year

  2. Attorney General submits medal and certificate designs for President's approval

Key directives

  • Establish Presidential Medal of Valor for Public Safety Officers
  • Attorney General recommends up to ten recipients annually by April 1
  • Presentations to occur during Police Week (May 15 and surrounding week) each year
  • Attorney General to submit medal and certificate designs by December 1, 2000
  • Department of Justice to prepare medal and certificate
  • Medal may be awarded posthumously

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Medal of Valor officially established

Near term (90d)

  • Attorney General to submit medal and certificate designs by December 1, 2000

Long term

  • Annual award cycle beginning with first recommendations by April 1, 2001
  • Ongoing presentations during Police Week each May

Risks & tensions

  • Annual April 1 recommendation deadline is fixed but 'as far as is practicable' language for presentation timing creates minor scheduling flexibility
  • No enforcement mechanism specified if Attorney General fails to meet deadlines
  • Vague 'appropriate time' during Police Week leaves presentation date discretionary
Executive Order 13161: Establishment of the Presidential Medal of Valor for Public Safety Officers · Executive Orders