Concerns of Police Survivors

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to the survivors and co-workers of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The organization helps survivors rebuild their lives by offering resources such as counseling, retreats, and peer support networks. It was founded by a group of survivors and women from the Fraternal Order of Police’s Ladies Auxiliary who recognized the unique challenges faced by those who lose loved ones to such tragedies.

History and Mission

C.O.P.S. was established to address the complex and public nature of grief faced by families and colleagues of fallen officers. Founded by ten survivors and with support from the Fraternal Order of Police, C.O.P.S. initially aided 110 survivors in 1984. Over the years, the organization has expanded to multiple chapters across the United States, supporting over 80,000 survivors.

C.O.P.S. offers a variety of programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of survivors, including spouses, children, parents, friends, and co-workers. These include free counseling services, survivor weekends and camps designed to help participants cope with their loss, and training for law enforcement agencies on how to respond to line-of-duty deaths and other traumas through the "Traumas of Law Enforcement" program.

Programs and Events

• Survivor Weekends and Camps: These events provide a supportive environment where survivors can process their grief and learn how to move forward.
• Traumas of Law Enforcement Trainings: These trainings help law enforcement agencies understand and respond appropriately to line-of-duty traumas, such as deaths and disabilities.
• National Police Week: C.O.P.S. participates in National Police Week, honoring officers who have died in the line of duty. Thousands of survivors gather to pay tribute and find support among peers.

Impact and Recognition

C.O.P.S. has gained recognition for its work, receiving consistent funding from the Department of Justice and other sources. The organization relies on donations to continue its mission, ensuring no membership fees are required for those already affected by loss. Its efforts have been acknowledged through a strong reputation within the charitable sector. However, the organization's ongoing need for funding underscores the scope of its mission and the growing number of survivors in need of support.

[1] https://www.policinginstitute.org/cops/ [2] https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org [3] https://www.wicops.org [4] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/521354370 [5] https://www.givemn.org/organization/Concerns-Of-Police-Survivors-20