Title
Special Recognition - National Correctional Officers Week and National Police Officers Week
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize the Olympia Police Department Corrections Officers and Police Officers for National Corrections and National Police Week(s).
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize the Olympia Police Department Corrections Officers and Police Officers for National Corrections and National Police Week(s).
Staff Contact:
Aaron Jelcick, Interim Chief of Police, Olympia Police Department, 360.753.8255
Presenter(s):
Rich Allen, Acting Deputy Chief, Olympia Police Department
Background and Analysis:
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. President Kennedy stated in his proclamation:
“I invite State and local governments, patriotic, civic, and educational organizations, and the people of the United States generally, to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week in this year and each succeeding year with appropriate ceremonies in which all our people may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities, and, in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens.”
The Officers of the Olympia Police Department exemplify the law enforcement profession and serve their community each day with compassion, professionalism, and integrity.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5187 declaring a National Correctional Officers Week to be observed the first full week of May. President Reagan stated in his proclamation:
“Correctional Officers have the difficult and often dangerous assignment of ensuring the custody, safety and well-being of the over 600,000 inmates in our Nation’s prisons and jails. Their position is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institution; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.”
Historically, correctional officers have been viewed as “guards,” occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails. In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to simultaneously fill custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve the utmost respect. The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections.
Attachments:
None