CHAPTER 1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Members should review the Chapter 1 FAQ pages, which are organized by topic below.
These FAQs provide detailed explanations and should be used as a reference throughout the year.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ALL MEMBERS
• All deadlines, fundraising minimums, and conduct expectations apply to every member.
• There is no rank on the Tour.
• Safety, professionalism, and unity are mandatory at all times.
• Members are expected to follow all instructions from Ride Marshals and Tour leadership.
Jump to…
NEW MEMBER & APPLICATION FAQ
Q: What is the mission of the Police Unity Tour?
A: The primary mission of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The secondary mission is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum.
Q: When is the 2026 Police Unity Tour?
A:
• Ride Dates: May 9–12, 2026
• Candlelight Vigil: May 13, 2026
• Check-out: Morning of May 14, 2026
Q: Where does the ride begin and end?
A: The ride departs from Northern New Jersey and concludes in Washington, DC.
Q: How do I apply for the Police Unity Tour?
A: The application is a two-part online process.
1. Submit the initial application.
2. After approval, complete Part 2 and submit the $100 non-refundable application fee.
Participation is not guaranteed until both parts are completed, payment is received, and fundraising requirements are met.
Q: How long do I have to complete Part 2 of the application?
A: Part 2 must be completed within 30 days of approval. If not completed, your roster spot may be reassigned.
Q: What email address should I use on my application?
A: Use a personal email address. Department or agency email addresses may block Tour communications.
FUNDRAISING & SPONSORSHIP FAQ
Q: How much am I required to fundraise?
A: All members—riders, motor officers, and support personnel—must raise a minimum of $2,200 to participate.
Q: Is there an initial fundraising requirement?
A: Yes. A minimum of $500 must be raised within 30 days of acceptance.
Q: When is the final fundraising deadline?
A: All fundraising must be completed by April 1, 2026. No exceptions.
Q: How are donations tracked?
A: Each member receives a personal online fundraising page that tracks online donations automatically and offline donations once properly submitted.
Q: How do I submit offline donations?
A: Offline donations must include a completed sponsor form with your name and department affiliation so donations can be properly credited.
Q: Are donations tax deductible?
A: Yes. Police Unity Tour is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Tax ID: 22-3530541
RIDE RULES, SAFETY & TRAINING FAQ
Q: What are the most important ride safety rules?
A:
• Ride two by two when instructed
• Stay to the right
• Never pass motorcycles or vehicles on the left
• Helmets and eye protection are required
• No earbuds, headphones, speakers, or cell phone use while riding
Violations may result in removal from the Tour.
Q: What happens if I fall behind during the ride?
A:
• Picked up once: you may resume riding after lunch
• Picked up twice in one day: you are done riding for the day
• Picked up three times total during the Tour: you will be moved to Support
Q: Is training required before the Tour?
A: Yes. Members are expected to complete regular road training in the months leading up to the Tour.
Q: Are evaluation rides required?
A: New members and those who did not complete all ride phases previously must complete a required 30-mile evaluation ride.
UNIFORMS & APPEARANCE FAQ
Q: What uniform is required for riders?
A:
• Blue Police Unity Tour jersey
• Black shorts or pants
• Helmet with Police Unity Tour helmet cover
• Eye protection
Bright or attention-drawing gear is not permitted.
Q: What jersey must be worn for arrival at the Memorial?
A: Only the 30 Year Anniversary Police Unity Tour jersey may be worn on May 12. No patches are permitted.
Q: Are patches, sponsor logos, or rank allowed on uniforms?
A:
• One department patch may be sewn on the center back pocket of standard jerseys
• No sponsor logos or advertisements are permitted
• No patches are allowed on anniversary jerseys
• There is no rank on the Tour
Q: What do support team members wear?
A: Support team members must wear a blue Police Unity Tour support polo and black pants or shorts. Open-toed shoes are not permitted.
SUPPORT TEAMS, VEHICLES & CONDUCT FAQ
Q: Can support teams use lights or sirens?
A: No. Lights, sirens, and escorted caravans are strictly prohibited. Violations may result in immediate removal from the Tour.
Q: Can my agency or group bring a support vehicle or trailer?
A: Yes, with approval.
• A Vehicle Request Form is required
• Deadline to submit: March 1
• Vehicles must travel hotel-to-hotel only
Q: Is alcohol permitted during the Tour?
A: No. Alcohol is prohibited during Tour operating hours, while in uniform, and on or near the Memorial grounds. Violations may result in immediate ejection.
TRAVEL, HOTELS, LUGGAGE & WASHINGTON, DC FAQ
Q: Are hotel accommodations provided during the Tour?
A: Yes. Hotels are provided with assigned roommates. Roommate requests are considered but not guaranteed.
Q: Do I need a credit card for hotels?
A: Yes. Members must provide a personal credit card for incidentals.
Q: How does luggage transport work?
A:
• Luggage must be clearly labeled with official Tour tags
• Keep bags under 50 lbs
• The Tour is not responsible for valuables left in luggage
Q: Can members participate as survivor escorts?
A: Yes. Survivor escort positions are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required.
Q: Are memorial bracelets required?
A: Memorial bracelets are strongly encouraged. Members are asked to honor a fallen officer by purchasing and, when possible, presenting a bracelet to the officer’s family or department.
QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?
If you cannot find the answer to your question in the FAQs or information packet, please contact the appropriate Chapter 1 email:
General Questions, Applications, Fundraising
eventservices@policeunitytour.com
Uniforms & Merchandise
uniforms@policeunitytour.com
Hotels & Rooming
hotels@policeunitytour.com
Transportation
puttransportation@policeunitytour.com
Training & Evaluations
training@policeunitytour.com
Memorial Bracelets
aboutme@policeunitytour.com
FINAL REMINDER
These resources are provided to help ensure a safe, respectful, and well-organized Tour. Members who take the time to review them fully help support the mission of the Police Unity Tour and honor the officers we ride for.
