Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2023

This proclamation designates May 15, 2023 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 14-20, 2023 as Police Week, calling on Americans to honor fallen law enforcement officers and encouraging flags to be flown at half-staff. The accompanying text largely recounts past Biden administration actions on police funding, gun safety legislation, and the Safer America Plan rather than creating new policy.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 31461

Impact dates

May 20, 2023
Police Week ends
May 15, 2023
Peace Officers Memorial Day; flags to be flown at half-staff
May 14, 2023
Police Week begins

Key directives

proclaim May 15, 2023 as Peace Officers Memorial Day
proclaim May 14 through May 20, 2023 as Police Week
call upon Governors and appropriate officials to direct flags be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day
encourage Americans to display flag at half-staff from homes and businesses on that day

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Peace Officers Memorial Day designated May 15, 2023
Police Week designated May 14-20, 2023
call for flags at half-staff on May 15, 2023

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

document blends ceremonial proclamation with political messaging on policing policy that may generate partisan reactions
references to 'defund the police' framing and Safer America Plan appear designed to counter political opposition rather than direct action
no new funding or binding obligations created; past legislative actions described are not effects of this proclamation