International Police Day: January 2nd

Every January 2 is celebrated as International Police Day, a tribute to police officers in service and those who have died in the line of duty with commitment and dedication, in charge of providing citizen security and maintaining public order, police officers play a fundamental role in society.

Both in Mexico and around the world, their main task is to deter and investigate crimes against people that affect the peace, as well as to arrest suspects and inform the corresponding authorities. Likewise, it punishes vehicular violations or activities that may put people’s lives at risk.

Origin of International Police Day

International Police Day originated in Mexico, after a confrontation between inmates of the Andónegui Prison, Tamaulipas, on January 2, 1927, in which several policemen died. In his honor, it began to be celebrated internationally in 1932. At the beginning it was called «Día del Gendarme», but later changed to its current name.

It should be noted that being a policeman is one of the most dangerous professions in the world, as one is constantly confronted with dangerous criminals, organized crime groups, as well as influential and corrupt individuals. Those who unfortunately lost their lives during their work are honored during this International Police Day.

Importance of Police Day

The purpose of this celebration is to pay tribute to police officers who are still in service and also to those who have died in the line of duty, the work of police officers involves exposing their lives every day, as well as commitment and dedication.

It should be noted that being a police officer is one of the most dangerous professions in the world, as they constantly face dangerous criminals, organized crime groups, as well as influential and corrupt individuals. Those who unfortunately lost their lives during their work are honored during this International Police Day.

A service with risks

However, the police profession is not exempt from controversy or risk. To carry out their work, these professionals must comply with a series of values, such as honesty, respect for the law and an attitude of service. Sometimes, due to corruption or poor performance, these values are violated and the image of these state workers is tarnished.

But this is not the only difficulty a police officer must face; perhaps the most important are the situations that put his or her own life at risk. Facing organized crime, rescuing from complex situations or stopping a brawl are scenarios that they must also contemplate in their day-to-day work.