SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY 11 THROUGH MAY 17, 2025, TO BE "NATIONAL POLICE WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ALL THE POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates May 11–17, 2025 as National Police Week to honor officers who died in the line of duty; a ceremonial observance with no funding.

05/13/2025 Senate read and passed

Overview

Bill Type: Senate Resolution (not a law; ceremonial/expressive)

Bill Number: SR 1068

Title: Commemorating May 11–17, 2025 as “National Police Week” in Rhode Island, in remembrance of police and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty

Introduced: May 13, 2025

Status: Senate read and passed on May 13, 2025; Recommended for Immediate Consideration

Sponsor/Introducers: Senators Tikoian, Ciccone, Patalano, Appollonio, Lawson, Quezada, Vargas, Raptakis, Urso, Burke

Classification: Resolution (ceremonial)

Purpose and Intent

To recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of police and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

To designate the week of May 11–17, 2025 as “National Police Week” in the State of Rhode Island, aligning with national commemorations dating back to President Kennedy’s proclamation (1962) and National Police Week observances.

Key Provisions

Official proclamation that May 11 through May 17, 2025 shall be observed as National Police Week in Rhode Island.

Acknowledges national and state history and context surrounding National Police Week, including:

National observances and flag-raising practices (e.g., May 15 National Police Officers Memorial Day / half-staff guidance).
National data on line-of-duty fatalities, assaults, and shootings (national figures provided for context).
Rhode Island-specific data noting 54 Rhode Island officers have died in the line of duty (as referenced by ODMP).

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit duly certified copies of the resolution to specified organizations and leaders.

Affected Parties

Primary beneficiaries: Police officers and law enforcement communities in Rhode Island, their families, and colleagues.

Partners/Recipients:

International Brotherhood of Police Officers (National President Patrick Yoes)
Fraternal Order of Police
Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association
Rhode Island Troopers Association

Public/General Audience: Rhode Island residents, state government, and the broader community engaged in National Police Week commemorations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction/Action Timeline: Introduced May 13, 2025; recommended for immediate consideration on the same day; subsequently passed the Senate on May 13, 2025.

Nature of Action: Ceremonial, symbolic acknowledgment rather than substantive regulatory or fiscal provisions.

No Funding or Mandates: The resolution does not impose costs, requirements, or enforcement mechanisms; it serves to formally recognize National Police Week.

Rationale and Context ( summarized from the bill’s WHEREAS clauses)

Reinforces national recognition of police officers’ sacrifices and the role of law enforcement in public safety.

Draws on historical context: National Police Officers Memorial Day established at the federal level; national statistics on officer fatalities and assaults to illustrate risks faced by officers.

Highlights the ongoing connection between Rhode Island and national commemorations of law enforcement service.

Takeaway

SR 1068 is a ceremonial proclamation commemorating National Police Week (May 11–17, 2025) in Rhode Island, honoring officers who have died in the line of duty. It directs formal acknowledgment and the distribution of copies to key law enforcement organizations and leaders. The resolution passed the Rhode Island Senate on May 13, 2025.

Bill