July 4 Holiday: Today, Ukraine celebrates National Police Day
On July 4, Ukraine celebrates National Police Day—a professional holiday honoring law enforcement officers who work every day to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law, and help people in the most difficult situations. On this day, Ukrainians thank police officers for their service, courage, and dedication to their work.
History of Ukraine’s National Police Day
National Police Day in Ukraine is celebrated annually on July 4. It was on this day in 2015 that the first patrol officers took their oath on St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, marking the beginning of a large-scale reform of Ukraine’s law enforcement system.
The professional holiday was officially established by a decree of the President of Ukraine. Initially, it was celebrated on August 4, but the date was later moved to July 4 to mark the exact day the new Ukrainian police force was established.
What Does the National Police Do?
The National Police of Ukraine protects the rights and freedoms of citizens, maintains public order, investigates crimes, ensures road safety, and responds promptly to emergencies.
Today, police officers carry out their duties not only in peaceful cities but also in frontline regions. They document war crimes, evacuate civilians from dangerous areas, help clean up the aftermath of Russian shelling, and are the first to arrive at the scenes of emergencies.
Traditions of the Holiday
On National Police Day in Ukraine, ceremonial events are held, and the agency’s best employees are honored with state and departmental awards. Many cities organize themed equipment exhibitions, meetings with law enforcement officers, demonstrations by K-9 units and special forces, as well as events for children.
Under martial law, most celebratory events are held on a scaled-down basis or are canceled for security reasons. Instead, the main focus is on expressing gratitude to the police officers who continue to serve even during air raid alerts and Russian attacks.
Interesting Facts About the National Police of Ukraine
- The National Police of Ukraine was established in 2015 as part of law enforcement reform.
- It comprises the patrol police, criminal police, cyber police, special-purpose police, bomb disposal units, and other specialized units.
- During a full-scale war, police officers carry out a much broader range of tasks—from evacuating the population to documenting evidence of war crimes.
- Every day, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers report for duty across Ukraine.
How to Honor Police Officers
On this day, it is customary to thank National Police officers for their sense of responsibility, professionalism, and readiness to help at any moment. For many Ukrainians, police officers are the first to come to their aid after shelling, traffic accidents, or other emergencies.
Ukrainian National Police Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to all law enforcement officers who ensure the safety of the country and its citizens every day, performing their duties even under the most dangerous conditions.
Postcards and greetings
