The Houston Police Department invites the community to observe and participate in National Police Week from Friday (May 8), through Friday, May 15.

All officers and citizens are encouraged to drive with their headlights on, in remembrance of the peace officers who have sacrificed their lives while protecting our cities.

This year’s activities for HPD include four important events, as well as daily pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations to Houston-area school children at the Houston Police Training Academy.

The Annual Memorial Service will be held on Friday (May 8), at 7 p.m., at the Houston Police Officers Memorial site at 2400 Memorial Drive to honor those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. A procession of police officers will walk down Memorial Drive beginning at 7 p.m. A candlelight vigil will be held and include the placing of a wreath on the Houston Police Officers Memorial, a roll call of deceased officers, a 21-gun salute, the playing of TAPS, and a fly-over by HPD helicopters.

The Police Week Awards Ceremony Luncheon will be held on Monday, May 11, at noon, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, 1200 Louisiana. The ceremony will feature the reading of the Mayor’s Proclamation and awards presentations.

The Day of Prayer Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at HPD Headquarters at 1200 Travis. Houston-area clergy members will gather to reinforce the partnership that exists between the community and the department. The public is invited to attend.

During Police Week, Houston-area school children are once again participating in pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations at the Houston Police Training Academy, 17000 Aldine Westfield. The children will meet with officers and partake in demonstrations from the Air Support Division, K-9 Unit, SWAT officers, Dive Team, Training Division, and Community Outreach Unit.

The Houston Police Department’s Honor Guard will participate in the National Police Week Ceremony in Washington, D. C., from May 12 through May 16.

Please join the Houston Police Department in commemorating the law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, selflessly dedicating their lives in the line of duty while serving to protect the citizens of our great city.