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SunSep 29

National Police Remembrance Day – September 29, 2024

National Police Remembrance Day is celebrated on September 29 each year. On this day, people pause to remember the police employees who have passed away over the past 12 months. This is an opportunity for the community to honor the dedicated men and women who have died serving their community and also those who have lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.

During this month a special significance is held for police throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. The importance of the work of police officers should be highlighted and this day is perfect to do that.

History of National Police Remembrance Day

The police serve an important role in society. Becoming a police officer is not an easy thing. A career within the police can be diverse. There are different roles that a person can aspire to. In addition to serving as a police officer, you can also choose civilian roles such as a communication officer, command and dispatch officer, and working in H.R.

Being a police officer is dangerous and they are at risk all the time. Many police officers have lost their lives while doing their job. National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honor police employees who have lost their lives not only while they were doing their job, but also under other circumstances.

The role of a police officer is challenging, but also rewarding. Police officers are law enforcement agents and they are tasked with keeping the peace among citizens. A police officer serves to maintain law and order in local areas by protecting members of the public and their property, preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime, and improving the quality of life for all citizens. National Police Remembrance Day was first declared in 1989 to coordinate the dates that Australasian and Pacific police jurisdictions acknowledged the sacrifice made by their members.

National Police Remembrance Day timeline

1964
United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

A.F.P. officers serve with the United Nations in Cyprus, East Timor (Timor-Leste), and South Sudan.

1979
The Australian Federal Police is Formed

On October 19, the Australian Police is formed under the Australian Federal Police Act 1979.

1984
The Australian Federal Police is Separated

The protective service component of the A.F.P. is separated and forms the Australian Protective Service under the administrative service.

1989
National Police Remembrance Day is First Declared

This day was decided to be held in 1989 to coordinate the dates Australasian and Pacific police jurisdictions acknowledged the sacrifice given by their members.

National Police Remembrance Day FAQs

How many police are there in Australia in 2021?

There are approximately 65,000 Australian police officers.

What are police called in Australia?

The main law enforcement agency of Australia is the Australian Federal Police (A.F.P.).

How many hours do Australian police work?

Most general duties police work 12-hour shifts.

How to Observe National Police Remembrance Day

  1. Remember local police officers

    This day is perfect to honor police officers. There may be police officers in your community who lost their lives doing their job and this will be a good opportunity to honor them.

  2. Attend an event

    There are different events held in Australia to honor police officers on this day. Vigils, marches, and services are also held.

  3. Share a post on Instagram

    This day will be a good opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of police officers' work and how risky it is. So much so that many police officers have lost their lives while working.

5 Facts About Australian Police

  1. The Night Watch

    The first civilian police force in Australia was known as the Night Watch and was formed by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1789 to guard Sydney Town.

  2. Police Week

    It is held across the country from Saturday 17 September to Thursday 29 September.

  3. Riding bikes to celebrate Police Week

    Events held during Police Week include the Wall to Wall Ride, a 100km Century Bike Ride.

  4. Police officers are trained

    The training that police officers undertake is comprehensive and includes both physical and academic challenges.

  5. Works benefits

    A career as a police officer offers excellent work benefits since they earn a great salary and superannuation package.

Why National Police Remembrance Day is Important

  1. Police officers aim at enforcing law

    Police officers act in an organized manner. This is mainly to enforce the law by discovering, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms governing that society.

  2. It’s an opportunity to honor police officers

    Police officers who have died while working made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the community. That is why this day is so important.

  3. Raising awareness

    This day is also a good opportunity to raise awareness about the fact that police officers are always at risk when doing their job. This is mostly unknown by many people.

National Police Remembrance Day dates

Year Date Day
2024 September 29 Sunday
2025 September 29 Monday
2026 September 29 Tuesday
2027 September 29 Wednesday
2028 September 29 Friday