May 4-10 Correctional Officers Appreciation Week

We celebrate National Correctional Officers Week in the first week of May — from May 5 to 11 this year.

Former President Ronald Reagan established this week on May 5, 1984. He saw the need to create a week for correctional officers to thank them for their services and celebrate their contributions to society.

It was President Reagan who said, “The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserves our 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.”

Often, they are to make sure the court orders are seen through and implemented. During this week, various U.S. agencies honor correctional officers in our jails, prisons, and community correctional facilities by organizing different programs for them.

In 1996, Congress expanded National Correction Officers Week to include all correctional employees, giving a long overdue “Thank You” to all the women and men who serve by working in corrections. This is a special week to celebrate and bring awareness to the importance and significance of their profession.