If you’ve heard of C.O.P.S. Arizona, then you probably already know that we are a state chapter of the national Concerns of Police Survivors organization. But what you might not know is the story of how C.O.P.S. began rebuilding lives and everything we are doing today to support survivors both financially and emotionally.
Here is an introduction to C.O.P.S. Arizona with everything you need to know about our goals and values.
C.O.P.S. Background
Every year, 140 to 160 law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty nationwide. Arizona accounts for one to six losses. Their families and coworkers are left behind to cope with the loss.
To support these survivors, C.O.P.S. was organized back in 1984. The original chapter had 110 members, whereas there are 54,000 today. Now C.O.P.S. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with programs and services funded by grants and donations. The organization is governed by a national board of law enforcement survivors. Each of the 50 states have their own local chapter with their own state-level boards.
C.O.P.S. Arizona Membership
C.O.P.S. Arizona is a grassroots organization serving survivors at a state and local level. Our membership is over 300 families – it includes spouses, children, parents, siblings, significant others, and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty according to federal government criteria. There is no membership fee to join – the price paid was already too high.
C.O.P.S. Arizona Programs
We provide a police week orientation for new surviving family members and co-workers, peer-support, and trial and parole support. We offer training and assistance to law enforcement agencies on how to respond to the tragic loss of a member of the law enforcement profession. We provide scholarships and survivor benefits to those who need them.
We also offer a wide range of programs for those with different relationships to a fallen officer, including:
Fiancés and Significant Others Retreat
Co-Workers for Couples Retreat
C.O.P.S. Arizona Annual Events
In order to offer retreats, training, and scholarships, we host annual fundraising events. We also participate in events that memorialize the fallen officers from our state each year. Some of our most popular events include:
Annual Arizona Fallen Officer Memorial 5K
How You Can Support Survivors
If you want to contribute your time, talents, or funds to the C.O.P.S. Arizona survivors, there are plenty of ways you can get involved. Volunteer with us, order a C.O.P.S. Arizona License Plate, or participate in Project Blue Light over the holidays.
If you’re looking for more information about C.O.P.S. Arizona, reach out to us here.
C.O.P.S. Arizona is dedicated to rebuilding shattered lives of survivors and co-workers affected by line of duty deaths. We offer programs and scholarships for survivors in our local Arizona chapter. For more information, visit https://www.copsarizona.org/.
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