| Washington D.C. Regional Police Pipe Band About Us. |
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| Membership. The Washington DC Regional Police Pipe Band is made up of law enforcement professionals; local, state, and federal in the Washington DC area. Our current strength is 28 members, representing 12 different law enforcement agencies. The Washington DC area is defined as “that distance which one is willing to travel to the weekly practice”. For most, that means Washington DC and the surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia (although one member does trudge in from West Virginia). Membership is also open to our counterparts in the military. Civilian membership can be granted on a case by case basis, providing the individual submits to a background check and is willing to become affiliated with a professional law enforcement organization. After all, consider the professional embarrassment to discover the piper next to you is wanted in six states, and you didn’t know. Membership is not limited to persons of Celtic descent, and is open to everyone meeting the other requirements regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, age, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, or shoe size. Purpose. The main purpose of the band is to support the law enforcement community in the areas of ceremonies, entertainment, recreation, assistance in times of need through fund raising activities, or any other way in which the band may be well suited. One important aspect is assisting law enforcement with public relations. The band strives to add to law enforcement’s positive public image by representing it to the general public in a favorable light. Activities. The band will be stepping out this year as a grade five competition band, and hitting several of the pipe band competitions throughout the region. We also plan to represent law enforcement by marching in several of the area’s parades. As the only law enforcement pipe band in the nation’s capitol, we will be very active in the activities of Police Memorial Week and other activities throughout the year at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial. Uniform. The band’s uniform is in keeping with the traditions of law enforcement. The band’s kilt is the Mackenzie Modern tartan, for no other reason than we thought it looked good, and McKenzie was the biggest band member at the bar the night we made the decision. Our shirts are a navy blue police shirt. Each member wears his agency’s patch on the left should and the band patch on the right shoulder. Agency shield is also worn above the right breast pocket by members who are authorized to do so. In this unique way we represent both our individual departments and the law enforcement community as a whole. Practices. Band practices are held every Tuesday night at the Fraternal Order of Police, Washington DC Lodge #1 located at 711 4th Street NW. Practices begin (more or less) at 8:00 pm. Optional practices are held on Sundays. New Members. Potential new members are encouraged to visit a Tuesday practice and see what we are about anytime. Experienced pipers and drummers are welcome to join the band anytime. Classes for new pipers are forming now. Lessons are free to those willing to join the band and participate in its activities |
