How to Host an Unforgettable Police Appreciation Event
It's one of the most rewarding things you can do
With all the heartbreak we’ve been exposed to, I wanted to switch the channel to something more positive. We all deserve a break from the negativity, don’t you think? And what better way to do this than to discuss party plans.
More specifically, a party celebrating law enforcement.
Hosting these events was one of my absolute favorite activities as a citizen advocate for the Madison Police Department. We hosted four annual appreciation parties, all of which received high praise from both cops and community.
With the pandemic mostly in our rear-view window and warmer weather ahead (which allows us to head outdoors) hosting an appreciation event is feasible.
Though we may have limited control over many of the events occurring on our planet, there are things we can do to make a difference where and when we can.
Why You Should Host a Police Appreciation Event
It gives police officers a much-needed show of recognition during a time when they’re under fire. It also provides an opportunity for community members and cops to interact in a positive, non-threatening environment.
And it’s good for your wellbeing.
Knowing you’ve organized something that’s helped establish good will and boosted officer morale is something you can’t put a price tag on. I can tell you from experience that helping to shepherd meaningful change does more for your state of mind than fretting over a problem.
The Elements of a Good Event
You’ll have a better chance of hosting an event that cops and civilians will remember if it incorporates at least some of the following components.
Food! Sure, cops will appreciate it if you throw out a few cookies and sodas. What entices members of the public to attend and makes for a festive atmosphere, however, is a full menu.
Because of the generosity of local businesses -including a radio station, two grocers, a quick mart, a restaurant, and a caterer- we were able to set up two long buffet tables filled with appetizer plates, salad, breadsticks, baked ziti, freshly-grilled brats, pizza, desserts, and a variety of beverages.
Which businesses in your area do you think might be willing to donate?
Appealing guests. Having police dogs and horses make an appearance is always a huge crowd pleaser.
I also planned these events around former Chief Koval’s schedule because he was so beloved by both cops and community. It just wouldn’t have been much of a party without him.
Who in your community is beloved by cops and civilians?
Ambience. Consider adding full decorations, coverings for the food tables, a thank you banner, a giant appreciation card that you gift to your police department, and ambient background music.
And please, work extra hard to make your guests feel welcome. I resent taking the time to attend an event only to be ignored. One way to make people feel wanted is to assign volunteers to greet officers and civilians at the door.
Convenience. Because these events were open to everyone (cops, their families, and members of the public) I wanted to make it easy for as many people as possible to attend. Holding it on a weekday between 2:00 to 6:00PM, on an open-house basis where people could come and go, worked well for us.
A Few Tips for Throwing an Unforgettable Event
You know your cops and community better than I do, so take what you need from the following and leave the rest.
Start small
Hosting an event for an entire city (especially if you live in a large one) can be overwhelming, more so if this is your first event. In our city of about 250,000 civilians and 450 cops, it was logistically easier, not to mention more intimate, to focus on one police district.
Give yourself plenty of time to plan
Holding a large-scale event is not something you can easily put together in a few weeks. I started planning in January for a May event.
Consider everything you have to do: working around schedules, logistics, contacting donors, prepping volunteers, sending invitations, promoting the event, purchasing supplies, preparing an appreciation speech, setting everything up. This takes more time and planning than you may think.
Host your event during warmer months
Though COVID is mostly behind us, some people are still hesitant to attend large gatherings indoors. Ask your police district if you could host part or all of the event outdoors. It also allows you to grill outside. Our parties (all held pre-pandemic) were primarily held indoors with people free to mingle outside.
With the exception of the first year, I scheduled the other three parties to align with National Police Week in May, or thereabouts. If you can’t hold yours in time for NPW, you still have all summer.
I hope this post has inspired you to throw an appreciation event for your own police department. Though they require a lot of work and planning, knowing that you’ve been instrumental in helping create good will is priceless.