Honoring Service: What National Correctional Officers Week Means–And How to Celebrate It
Each year, during the first full week of May, agencies across the country pause to recognize a group of professionals whose work often goes unseen but is essential to public safety: correctional officers.
National Correctional Officers Week (NCO Week) is dedicated to honoring the men and women who serve in jails, prisons, and community corrections. These professionals operate in one of the most demanding environments in public service, balancing safety, security, and rehabilitation every single day.
The Establishment of National Correctional Officers Week
National Correctional Officers Week was officially established in 1984, when President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187, designating the first full week of May as a time to recognize correctional professionals.
In that proclamation, Reagan highlighted both the complexity and importance of the profession. He noted:
“The duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers… deserve our utmost respect.”
He also emphasized something that still rings true today—that correctional work is often misunderstood and underappreciated.
“The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections.”
Why Celebrating This Week Matters
Correctional officers are the backbone of the justice system. They are responsible not only for maintaining order and security, but also for managing individuals in custody, preventing violence, and supporting rehabilitation efforts.
Their work is physically demanding, mentally taxing, and often performed with little public recognition. NCO Week provides agencies an opportunity to intentionally recognize the people who keep facilities running safely and professionally.
It’s also a chance to build morale, strengthen team culture, and remind staff that their work is seen and valued.
14 Practical Ways to Celebrate NCO Week (From Free to Low-Cost)
Celebrating NCO Week doesn’t have to require a large budget. What matters most is authenticity and effort. Here are practical ideas agencies can implement:
- Personalized Thank-You Notes (Free) – Have Command Staff write handwritten notes to staff. Simple, specific appreciation goes a long way.
- Roll Call Recognition (Free) – Use daily briefings to publicly recognize individuals or teams for their contributions.
- Social Media Spotlights (Free) – Highlight officers throughout the week with short bios or “day in the life” features.
- Peer Recognition Board (Free) – Create a space where staff can post shout-outs to their coworkers.
- Coffee & Donuts Morning (Low Cost) –Offering a simple breakfast can boost morale across shifts.
- Staff Appreciation Wall (Low Cost) – Post photos, milestones, or accomplishments from the past year.
- Recognition Certificates (Low Cost) – Print and distribute certificates for years of service, leadership, or teamwork.
- Lunch Sponsorships (Low to Moderate Cost) – Partner with local businesses or sponsors to provide meals for different shifts.
- Raffle or Giveaway (Low to Moderate Cost) – Gift cards or small prizes can add excitement to the week.
- Wellness-Focused Activities (Low Cost) – Offer brief wellness sessions, stress management resources, or fitness challenges.
- Family Potluck Dinner (Low to Moderate Cost) – Invite officers and their families to attend a lunch or dinner together.
- Shift Snack Stations (Low Cost) – Coffee, drinks, protein bars, snacks, fruit, etc. in briefing rooms all week, for all shifts.
- Offer Professional Development Opportunities (Moderate Cost) – Offer training opportunities and other ways officers can advance their careers. Some options could be:
- Register for a Regional JAILCON Training near you!
- Send your top performers to ELITE Academy
- Offer Professional Certification Opportunities to those interested in advancing their careers
- Nominate a Colleague for an Award (No Cost) – Nominate a colleague who deserves recognition for their hard work, dedication, heroism, or perseverance for a Regional Award. Selected nominees get to attend their Regional JAILCON Training free of charge, as well as be honored at the closest JAILCON Regional Conference and Awards Ceremony.
While food and giveaways are appreciated, the most impactful celebrations are the ones that feel genuine. Officers can tell the difference between a checkbox activity and meaningful recognition.
What NOT To Do
- Only celebrate day shift
- Generic email with no action behind it
- Ignore civilian/support staff
- Make it mandatory fun
- Recognition based only on popularity
- Spend big on decorations but nothing on staff
NCO Week is not just about celebration, it’s about acknowledgment. This week gives agencies an opportunity to reinforce the professionalism, resilience, and dedication that correctional officers bring to their roles every day.
What NIJO is Doing
For the last 5 years, NIJO staff members have left their own homes and families to road trip across the country visiting jails and detention facilities. Collectively, we have visited hundreds of jails in celebration of this week. A NIJO Team Member offers the agency a plaque with the words of Ronald Reagan, in-house designed stickers for all staff, as well as a heartfelt thank you from us here at NIJO.
We prioritize celebrating this week every year because at our core, all of us at NIJO have genuine gratitude and appreciation for the work corrections professionals do every day. In fact, many of our team members are retired Jail Commanders, or have family members who have worked in the profession.
This week means a lot to us, and we hope you and your agencies give this week the celebration it deserves. Happy National Correctional Officers Week from all of us at NIJO!
You may also be interested in “Beyond the Walls: Reaffirming our Commitment to Corrections Professionals”