How To Show Appreciation For Police Officers

Written by KOVA Corp

 

Unless you have a friend or family member in uniform, you may not think about the police all that often until you really need them (or get a speeding ticket). That’s unfortunate, because even though you don’t interact with them every day, they’re out on the job all day and night protecting us and staying ready to respond to 911 calls. Police officers don’t always get a lot of appreciation for the dangerous work they do, so take a look at some of the ways you can show them that you appreciate their commitment.

First, you should keep in mind that some departments have strict rules on accepting gratuities in any form, as it could pose a conflict of interest. Not every department has the same policy, so check with your local department before you send any gifts or pay for food.

Pay For A Meal
This also falls under the caveat of needing to check first. Some people anonymously pay for military members and police officers when they see them eating in a restaurant. Whether it’s just a coffee or an entire lunch, this is a great gesture and certainly shows your appreciation.

Say Thank You
This is actually a very underrated option. If you see a police officer around town, simply tell them that you appreciate all the work they do, and thank them for keeping you safe. That’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in an officer’s day. You can also send a thank you note to the station; outlining a few reasons why you value and respect the work they do every day. Even just a friendly wave when a police cruiser drives by is a nice way to show you care.

Make A Donation
If you called and checked with your department and found that they don’t accept any form of gratuities, this is another good option for you. Many departments have scholarships or memorial funds that they run, and a donation is a good way to show your respect and appreciation. There are also plenty of organizations that assist injured officers or help the families of fallen officers. These donations are incredibly important, so look into your local organizations and find out where your money would do the most good.

Write A Letter To The Editor
It doesn’t have to be political or fiery in tone, it should just get across the point that the officers in your community put their lives on the line for everyone, and you want to thank them for that. Taking the time to write out a thoughtfully worded letter to the editor in your local paper is an excellent way to show your support for your police department.

Police officers don’t always get the respect and appreciation they deserve, but you can help change that. It isn’t always about the big shows of support. Sometimes small acts of kindness are just as powerful. So take some of these ideas and use them to show the officers in your town how much you appreciate them.

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