POLC-represented agencies are among those creating connections between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve during and around National Faith & Blue Weekend, Oct. 12-14, 2024.

Faith & Blue began in 2020 to bring together law enforcement officers and local residents through the connections of faith-based organizations. It was started by MovementForward, Inc., working with the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) at the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Faith & Blue is based on the premise that strong communities are built through mutual respect and understanding. Law enforcement and faith institutions are key pillars of each community, and when they work together, neighborhoods thrive,” according to the Faith & Blue website.

The following POLC-represented departments have events featured on the Faith & Blue website which occur on or around National Faith & Blue Weekend 2024: 

• Faith & Blue Food and Basic Needs Drive
  Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 12, 2024 and also at Grandville Fall Fest (5-10 p.m. Oct. 4 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 5, 2024)
  Hosted By: Grandville Police Department, Grace Bible Church, Grandville Jenison Congregational Church, Grandville United Methodist, St. Pius X Catholic Church, First Reformed Church and Target Store T-2818 Grandville
  Details: This 3rd Food and Basic Needs Drive will begin at the City of Grandville Fall Fest the weekend before the National Faith & Blue Weekend. During the main event on Oct. 12th, staffing will be available to collect donations at two drop-off locations – City Park and the local Target store.
• Food Drive
  Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 5, 2024 
  Hosted by: Southgate Police Department and Riverview Police Department
  Details: Food drive to support Fish and Loaves food pantry and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.
• Faith & Blue at Southgate HarvestFest
  Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 5, 2024 (Festival is 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
  Featuring: Southgate Police and City of Southgate
  Hosted By: Julie Goddard
  Details: Faith & Blue from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with Southgate Police Officers engaging with the public during the City of Southgate HarvestFest. The festival features artisan vendors, Touch-a Truck, live DJ, food trucks, Pumpkin Patch – while supplies last, kid’s activities, cider and donuts, and a scarecrow competition.
• Law Enforcement Engaging with the Islamic Community
  Time: 2–3 p.m. Oct. 7, 2024 
  Hosted by: Brownstown Police Department
  Details: Approximately 10 members of the Brownstown Police Department will attend services at the Islamic Association of Michigan Masjid Umar Bin Khattab.
• Football Tailgate
  Time: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 11, 2024 
  Hosted by: Midland Police Department and Midland Evangelical Free Church
  Location: Midland High School far west end of the parking lot under the MPD pop up tent.
  Details: Join the Midland Police Department for National Faith & Blue Weekend 2024 for a football tailgate before the Charger football game against Bay City Central. MPD and Midland Evangelical Free Church will provide free food, games and other fun tailgating activities.
• Royal Oak Faith and Blue
  Time: 1-3 p.m. Oct. 12, 2024 
  Featuring: Royal Oak Police Department 
  Hosted by: Andre Stienke, Pastor Jennifer Tripoli and First United Methodist Church
  Details: A gathering for community members to interact with the Royal Oak Police Department and several area faith-based institutions. Several members of the Royal Oak Police Department will spend time with those who attend the event, which features complimentary food and activities for children, including a bounce house, crafts and more.
• Trunk or Treat
  Time: 1-3 p.m. Oct. 20, 2024 
  Hosted By: Macomb County Sheriff's Office
  Details: Come join Macomb County Sheriff’s Office for a Trunk or Treat!

Click here for more Michigan events planned in honor of National Faith & Blue Weekend 2024.

Visit the Faith & Blue website for information about hosting a National Faith & Blue Weekend event or adding your department's event to the listing. Additional help and resources for organizing events are available by emailing info@faithandblue.org to get connected with your state representative.