Photo by AlbinoFlea

Today marks the start of National Police Week in the District, as well as the start of complaining about National Police Week’s effect on parking.

Designated by President Kennedy in the early 1960s, the week honors fallen police officers, with members of law enforcement from across the country descending upon D.C. for activities. Events draw between 25,000 and 40,000 people, according to the Associated Press.

Tonight, a candlelight vigil, sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, will be held at 8 p.m. at the 400 block of E Street, NW, according to the event’s Web site. Attorney General Eric Holder is scheduled to give the keynote address. Other events include an honor guard competition and a memorial service on the west front of the Capitol.

Mayor Vince Gray welcomed the officers to the city via Twitter.

Perhaps in an even warmer welcome to some, DC Brau said on its Facebook page that the company will offer a special discount during its brewery’s Saturday growler sale to police officers who show their badge.

But along with the good feelings of service and camaraderie floating around the city, there are some sore ones about—what else?—parking.

NBC 4 reporter Tom Sherwood raised the red flag on Twitter about the “rampant” illegal parking by police during the week.

Twitter users responded to Sherwood with their own complaints. “NJ Police Week trailer and truck were parked in a bus stop on SB 16th St this am. No tickets. Ridiculous,” said one. “Welcome to Police Week in DC, law enforcement officials’ yearly chance to break our parking and driving laws with impunity,” said another.

Someone’s breaking the law? Quick! Call 9-1 … oh.

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