United States Attorney Nick Hanna Marks National Police Week by Recognizing the Service and Sacrifice of Law Enforcement Officers

          LOS ANGELES – To mark National Police Week, United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna and Attorney General Jeff Sessions are honoring the service and sacrifice of federal, state and local police officers who put their lives on the line every day they put on their uniforms.

          The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California is actively engaged this month in a host of activities to support and honor our law enforcement partners, especially during Police Week.

          In October 1962, Congress passed, and President Kennedy signed, a joint resolution declaring May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.

          During Police Week, which is being observed this year from May 13 through May 19, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.

          “The partnership we maintain with our local law enforcement partners is an integral component of our violent crime strategy,” said United States Attorney Hanna. “Whether working alongside them in an investigation or honoring their sacrifice, we are proud of their service to the residents of this district.”

          Members of the United States Attorney’s Office participated in the annual Los Angeles Police Department Memorial Service last week to honor fallen officers killed in the line of duty. United States Attorney Hanna was an honored guest at this event.

          Last week, United States Attorney Hanna attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual memorial honoring fallen FBI agents.

          The office hosted a two-day VALOR Survive & Thrive training for nearly 100 law enforcement officers from across the region last week. The training, which was sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, was co-hosted by the Glendora Police Department and the Western States Information Network.

          United States Attorney Hanna and members of the office participated earlier this month in tactical entry, shoot/no-shoot scenario training that was organized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Marshals Service. The training enabled office personnel to become more aware of the types of scenarios law enforcement officers and agents face every day, especially when they are serving warrants. The training allowed an opportunity for senior leadership to further understand and enhance the training needs of law enforcement within our district.

          United States Attorney Hanna highlighted his office’s violent crime strategy and opportunities for increased collaboration with local law enforcement Thursday at the International Latino Gang Investigators Conference, which took place last week in Ontario.

          Thursday night, Mr. Hanna attended and provided welcome remarks at the California Narcotics Officers Association annual awards dinner that honors law enforcement officers working narcotics cases.

          The United States Attorney and members of his staff attended the Los Angeles Police Department Recruit Graduation Friday, and will attend the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Fallen Deputy memorial to honor deputies killed in the line of duty this week.

          “One officer death is too many,” Attorney General Sessions said. “While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks.”

          According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.

          Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents because of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.

          To access the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov.

          For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.