Michigan Association of Police

By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor

With President Donald Trump directing the nation to practice social distancing, imposed business and governmentPoliceWeekUniform w flowers building closures and large events canceled nationwide due to COVID-19, state and national Police Week events set for May have also been canceled.

Police Week 2020 is May 10-16 and many events were planned in and around Washington DC, including the 32nd Annual Candlelight Vigil, which draws some 30,000 visitors annually.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial instead will formally dedicate the names of the 2019 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty and those who died earlier in history, who have yet to be recognized, during a virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

“The current crisis that our nation and the world is facing has resulted in the cancelation of public gatherings in DC during National Police Week 2020,” said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Marcia Ferranto. “We will not let this crisis deter us from honoring the fallen. We plan to march forward in solidarity with a virtual Candlelight Vigil and the reading of the names that can be watched from anywhere in the world. Then, as the future becomes more certain and the end of the crisis is near, we will begin to make plans for an in-person reading of names to honor our fallen officers."

MICHIGAN POLICE WEEK EVENTS CANCELED
The 27th Annual Michigan Peace Officers’ Candlelight Memorial Service, planned on the steps of Michigan’s Capitol building for May 4, will also be canceled. Tours and events at the State Capitol building are canceled in response to the COVID-19 outbreak through May 1.

A newly formed group aimed at encouraging Michigan citizens to support police officers, Police Week Michigan had planned a large gathering in Pontiac set for May 16. That event was canceled due to the uncertainty of COVID-19. Police Week Michigan encourages citizens to show their support of law enforcement through various means detailed on their website, especially during the outbreak and Police Week.

NAPO EVENT CHANGES
NAPO released a statement about their Police Week events being canceled or postponed.

The TOP COPS Awards dinner will no longer be held May 14 in Washington DC. It will be rescheduled for later this year. The May 13 Lobby Day and Legislative Luncheon in DC. are canceled. Legislative awards will be given to deserving Members of Congress and their staff later in the year.

NAPO’s Fall Seminar is still planned for Florida in October and the TOP COPS Awards dinner will coincide with that meeting, likely the week of October 18. Notification will be sent out once details are finalized.