In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187, creating "National Correctional Officers’ Week." Each year, the first full week in May is recognized as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, commemorating the contributions of correctional officers and personnel who work in jails, prisons, and community corrections across the country.

 “The services provided by the dedicated and hard working men and women of corrections are vital to every community. The NCEU’s locals located throughout the Northeast are the best run facilities in the country thanks to the tireless efforts of the correctional staff that provide exemplary care in a safe and secure correctional environment.  National Correctional Officers and Employees week gives us a platform to not only pay tribute to our officers, nurses and employees, both past and present, for the critical role they play in public safety, but also to simply enjoy the camaraderie among the staff during the many events.” said Christopher Murphy, NCEU President.