Eagle Times Dispatch

EAGLE TIMES
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE - FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
D I S P A T C H
January - March 2015
CONGRESS
LOOKING INTO
U. S. PARK POLICE
OPERATIONAL ISSUES
First Quarter 2015
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH
Fraternal Order of Police

U. S. Park Police Labor Committee
General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, May 6, 2015

@ 1800 @ USPP AOF
Topics: Board Elections & Legislative Efforts
U. S. Park Police Operational Readiness

Questions To Ask the National Park Service:
1. Does the U. S. Park Police have a supply of tourniquets
positioned to treat the mass casualties of a bombin or active shooter at any of the Icons? (There isnt, but there
should be. Studies have established that
tourniquets save lives of bombing and shooting victims. Having them close by with sufficient personnel to secure the
area and apply them is critical to victim survival.)
2. In the event of an active shooter(s)/bombing(s) at a monument or memorial in Washington, DC:
a. How many U. S. Park Police officers are assigned to those locations?
b. How many U. S. Park Police officers would arrive at the incident in the first 15 minutes: During rush hour,
Cherry Blossoms, Independence Day and at 2:00 am on a Monday morning?
3. Has the shortage of officers and equipment affected the ability of the United States Park Police to conduct investigations? (Ask the Investigators and Detectives, it has.)
4. Provide documentation that justifies the NPSs United States Park Police 639 sworn officer limit? (That would be
information that they would have on hand.)
5. Do they believe that the missions flown by U. S. Park Police Aviation to rescue people are worthwhile (i.e. River Rescues, MEDEVACS, supporting the Navy Yard, their neighbor, during the active shooter incident)?
1st Quarter 2015
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Contents
Chairmans Report
Fraternal Order of Police
United States Park Police Labor Committee

1320 G Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
Telephone: 202-544-4813
Website: usppfop.org
Fax: 202-544-5918
Email: [email protected]
Gary Hatch
Vice-Chair
Billy Sepeck
Executive Chief Steward- DC
Bill Battista
Secretary
Mark Faraci
Executive Chief Steward- NY
Anthony McSherry
Treasurer
Russell Kidd
Executive Chief Steward- CA
Shop Stewards
Washington, DC
K9
Charles Wilkins
Motors
Todd Hand
Services
Elizabeth Kessebeh
SWAT
Ernie Eclipse
Jack Eddington
Angelo Herron
SanFrancisco Office
MPOS
Michael Cameron
Alternates
William Battista
Vinh Nguyen
ID
Ken Rawles
Canine
Michael Griffin
HMP
Irma Javier
Congress Looking Into USPP Operational Issues
USPPFOP Open Letter to NPS Dir Jarvis Unchallenged

External Vests Safer and Healthier 11
USPP Readiness Issue #1:
Understaffing and Basic Equipment Shortages
13
Staten Island
Robert OBrien
Patrol
Eric Cole
Sean Cox
CIB
Ezra Savage
16

Replace Aging Helicopters and Improve Staffing In Aviation
17

Video Security, Alarms, Digital Notification Signage and Control
Centers
18
Fix Problems with Dispatch and Reporting Systems (IT)

Participation on Task Forces
21

Mass Casualty Equipment 22
U. S. Park Police Not Prepared For Grave Terrorist Threat
From Returning ISIS Fighters
23
Brooklyn
Saoud Mohammed
Robert McGarry
Media inquiries should be directed to the Fraternal Order

of Police, United States Park Police Labor Committee.
19

Patrol Rifles, Gear and Training for Active Shooter Situations 20
The EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH is published quarterly by

the Fraternal Order of Police, United States Park Police
Labor Committee organized under the Fraternal Order of
Police, State Lodge for the District of Columbia.
1st Quarter 2015
14

Modern Digital Radio System (Inter-Agency Functionality)
New York Office

Liberty District
Chris Kyriako
Harold Gonzales

Equipment for Capturing Evidence from Video Surveillance
Systemsand Forensic Video Analysis
15
Ian Glick
Chair
District 3
Debyn Brown
District 4
Gary Hatch
District 5
VACANT
CIB
I.P. Edwards

Equipment for Capturing Evidence from Digital Devices
Executive Board
District 1
Dave Crandall
Mike Russo
Sean Kellenberger
James Dingeldein
District 2
Anthony McSherry
Cotayba Al-Saigh
Front Page Image:

U. S. Park Police Patrol Officer protecting the visitors at
the Jefferson Memorial. (Staff Photo)
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Chairmans
Report
Last week, I had the honor of seeing a follow up on NBC Channel 4, News. A story aired today reporting that several members of Congress are pushing for funding to replace our aging helicopter.
This comes on the heels of a report (aired two nights before) that was the culmination of months of
working with the media and Congress to bring attention to our aviation units problem.
Score one for us!
Partnering with the media to bring public attention to our situation is one of the many ways YOUR
union works for you. Remember furloughs? Remember how many hours you were supposed to do?
Remember how many you actually did? Why is that? Because your union partnered with the media, both nationally and locally, to bring attention to the affects on public safety if fewer police are
working. When the public found out and after meetings with members of Congress, suddenly the
National Park Service found money:
By Thursday, with the media still nipping at his heels, Jarvis broke from a family vacation in New
York to convene an emergency conference call with his executive staff. His comptroller had found
money to stop the furloughs. [Washington Post, May 26, 2013 }
Found money. Really?
How do you find something unless you hid it to begin with.
But, alas, I digress.
The fact is, YOUR union works to protect YOUR interest, which, by the way, IS the publics interest.
We dont ask for fancy equipment, polished marble floors (like you might see in DOI Headquarters)
or even the latest LE equipment. We fight for BASIC equipment (which we dont already have):patrol cars (which we dont already have), additional personnel to adequately staff our areas or responsibility (which we dont already have), external ballistic vest carriers (which we dont already have),
training from outside the agency- that is up to date (which we dont already have), radio systems that
work (which we dont already have) and, last but not least; a modicum of respect (which we dont
already have.
In the mean time, know that: as much as you may not see us around all of the stations, all of the
time, we ARE working for YOU.
Take care and BE SAFE!
Ian Glick
Chairman
U.S. Park Police FOP
1st Quarter 2015
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Coming Soon- USPPFOP Elections

The Fraternal Order of Police- United States Park Police
Labor Committee (USPPFOP) will soon begin the election
process to select members of the Executive Board for the
next two years. The officers winning this years election will
be installed this December. The offices up for elections are:
General Officers (4 Positions): Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer (These offices are voted on by all members of the USPPFOP and any USPPFOP member in good
standing can be a candidate for these offices.)
Chief Stewards (3 Positions): Chief Steward for the
District of Columbia, Chief Steward for the U. S. Park Police
New York Field Office and Chief Steward for the U. S. Park
Police California Field Office. (Only members in good standing assigned to the geographic area vote for these officers
and candidates must be assigned to the area represented by
the office.
ballot. Voting by mail will allow eligible members the chance

to vote whatever their location or schedule.
Regardless of the voting method the first step in the election process is to update the membership records to ensure
that all members update their home address. The election
announcement must be mailed to comply with DOL regulations covering union elections. Your assistance is essential.
In the coming weeks, Shop Stewards will be asking for your
information so that the records can be updated. This has to
be done for you to receive election materials and other important information by mail.
Preparations for the election process will begin soon in

order to comply with laws, rules and regulations concerning
union elections. In order to conduct these elections properly the USPPFOP needs members willing to volunteer for the
FOPs Election Committee to plan and execute the elections.
Members who are not running for office are needed as no
one running for office is permitted to serve on the election
committee-- to avoid conflicts of interest. The Election Committee will set dates for the election process as well as, complete other tasks, including picking a company to monitor the
elections This years voting will probably include updating the
by-laws in order to comply with new regulations and update
terminology (e.g. Chairman, etc).
Research is being conducted to determine if this years
elections can be conducted by U. S. Mail. Unions that have
geographically dispersed membership, like the USPPFOP,
commonly use this method, as it is the most convenient way
for members to vote- while still complying with Department of
Labor regulations. However, since the bylaws discuss polling
places additional research is being conducted by USPPFOP
General Counsel Paul Knight to determine if voting by mail is
possible. Since the current by-laws permit voting by absentee
ballot this may permit voting by mail. We will have to get a
legal finding to find out if this is possible
Voting by mail procedures are well established by the
Department of Labor (DOL) and conducting the voting by
this method will allow full compliance with the law. Furthermore, elections by mail will allow all members to vote without
having to travel to a specific place, date and time cast their
1st Quarter 2015
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TO RECEIVE
IMPORTANT
ELECTION
INFORMATION
UPDATE
YOUR ADDRESS.
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Congress Looking Into

USPP Operational Issues
On Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015, District of Columbia NBC
affiliate (NBCWashington.com) ran a investigative report about the U. S. Park Police Aviation Sections aircraft.
NBCWashington reporter Scott MacFarlane reported the
following:
Concerns About Age, Flying Time of Park Police Helicopter
The U.S. Park Polices Eagle 2 helicopter -- which polices

the most secure airspace in the nation, helps lead presidential motorcades -- should have been grounded two years
ago, according to an internal study by the Park Police and
the U.S. Department of Interior.
The News4 I-Team found that a 2012 analysis recommended replacing Park Police aircraft after 5,000 hours
of operation. But Eagle 2 has flown more than 9,300 hours
and is about 26 years old.
The I-Teams investigation also found Eagle 2, a Bell 412
model, has been flown twice as much as the same model
helicopter operated by the Miami-Dade County Fire Department and five times more hours than the same model
helicopter operated by the Chicago Fire Department.
The I-Team found Eagle 1, also a Bell 412 model, has
also surpassed 5,000 hours of operation. Eagle 1 has flown
at least 6,588 hours, according to US Park Police records.
Eagle 1 was used Tuesday in the manhunt for a fugitive in Northern Virginia. It was also used to rescue a victim of the Navy Yard shootings in September 2013.
In its maintenance records, Bell Helicopter, manufacturer of the helicopter, recommends nearly all of the component parts have a lifespan of no more than 10,000 hours.
pilots are losing confidence in its airframe.

Glick said, With a helicopter, should the engine go out,
the helicopter is going straight down.
The agency records obtained by the I-Team show US
Park Police leaders recommended Eagle 2 be mothballed
by 2013. The agencys own internal analysis of its fleet said,
Its only a matter of before their increasing age and flights
hours significantly compromise flight readiness and operational safety.
Though there have been multiple efforts by local leaders in Congress to provide funding for the purchase of a
helicopter to replace Eagle 2, funding has not materialized
and there is no timetable for purchase of a replacement.
Estimates provided by lobbyists representing the US Park
Police union show a replacement helicopter could cost approximately $14 million.
In a statement, U.S. Park Police spokeswoman Sgt. Lelani Woods said the helicopters are needed for a diverse set
of missions, including rescues of the injured and surveillance patrols for Presidential motorcades.
The National Park Service invests more than $3 million per year to equip and train the men and women who
fly and maintain the units three helicopters, Woods statement said. As we move forward and these aircraft age, we
will continue to analyze the units mission, the work it performs and choose new aircraft that fit those needs.
The helicopters United States Park Police pilots fly remain safe and serviceable,the statement said. The United
States Park Police continues to work within the established
(Continued on next page)
Ian Glick, a veteran U.S. Park Police Officer and president of its union, said rank and file officers are losing confidence in Eagle 2 and are lobbying Congressional leaders
for a replacement.
When you fly a helicopter, youre not breaking the
laws of physics, but youre bending them,Glick said. And
if youre bending them for an extended period of time on an
airframe, it causes problems.
The I-Team found no safety incidents involving the helicopter. Glick said Eagle 2 is currently safe to operate, but
1st Quarter 2015
U. S. Park Police Horsemounted Unit in Lafayette Park
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(Continued from previous page)

acquisition process to identify flexibilities within base appropriations and leverage additional funding sources with
the goal of replacing its aging helicopter with an aircraft
of equivalent mission capabilities.
LINK TO FULL REPORT @NBCWASHINGTON
In a follow-up report on Friday April 3, 2015 Mr. MacFarlane reported that four DC Area members of Congress
were supporting the purchase of a replacement helicopter
for the U. S. Park Police. Mr. MacFarlands report:
Local Members of Congress Urge Funding for U.S. Park
Police Helicopter Fleet
Four D.C.-area members of Congress said theyll urge
colleagues to provide an increase in money to U.S. Park Police in the wake of an investigation by the News4 I-Team.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Rep. John Delaney (DMd.), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.)
have issued public statements supporting a budget boost
for U.S. Park Police to help the agency purchase a replacement to its aging helicopter fleet.
Whenever you have a system thats already reached
the end of its useful life and been kept going through extraordinary measures, you have to be concerned about the
safety risk, Van Hollen said.
These vehicles are necessary for the national capital
region, and its time for Congress to fully fund a replacement for the aging fleet, Beyer said.
This is a no-brainer, Delaney said. The men and
women who patrol and protect some of the nations most
essential real estate should have the resources they need to
USPP Eagle lands on I-295 for MEDEVAC

1st Quarter 2015
do their job safely and effectively. I hope everyone in Congress sees News4s report and that we can get this problem
solved soon.
-LINK TO FULL REPORT @NBCWASHINGTON
The U. S. Park Police- Fraternal Order of Police is grateful to NBC 4 Washington and their reporter Mr. Scott MacFarlane for their coverage of this important issue. Their
work allowed this important issue to receive attention
from Congress that will hopefully result in action being
taken. While this is not the only problem facing U. S. Park
Police Operational Readiness, the attention being paid to
the helicopters will help draw attention to the dangerous
understaffing of the force that endangers citizens and officers.
We are also pleased to have the support of Rep. Chris
Van Hollen (D-Md.), Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.), Sen. Ben
Cardin (D-Md.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) who have all issued statements of support for increasing the U. S. Park
Police budget.
CORE ISSUE: Staffing
The U. S. Park Police has approximately 610 officers assigned to DC, NY and CA, about 460 of these officers are
assigned to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. By
comparison the U. S. Capital Police and the United States
Secret Service Uniformed Division each have over 1600 officers for their operations in Washington, DC.
In 1999, the independent consulting firm of Booz, Allen & Hamilton (Booz-Allen) conducted a study that determined that the USPP needed 820 officers. This study was
conducted two years before 9/11. The National Park Service has ignored the Booz-Allen recommendation and asserts that the USPP only needs 639 officers. However, the
National Park Service has no independent evidence that
supports their assertion. The 1999 Booz-Allen study is the
most recent independent staffing study of the U. S. Park
Police. The staffing of the USPP has remained relatively
stagnant while most law enforcement agencies in Washington, DC have grown because of the terrorist threat. The
USPP officer staffing situation is critical because of the 610
officers approximately of them are or very soon (2-years)
will be eligible to retire. The USPP does not have enough
officers or the mass casualty equipment required for an effective response to critical incidents on the National Mall.
While the USPP did hire 18 officers in February 2015, there
is no plan to replace officers that retire. Eighteen officers
will not solve the USPPs staffing problem.
CORE ISSUE: Aging Helicopters
The USPP aviation unit is a key component of the
Washington, DC emergency service system and has an
outstanding safety record. The unit is the sole source of
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(Continued from previous page)

mission capabilities essential in the capital of the United
States. The USPP Aviation Unit supports the protective
mission of the United States Secret Service. In Washington, DC the unit is the only law enforcement aviation unit
capable of hoisting officers into and citizens out of critical
incidents (e.g., Washington Navy Yard Shootings, Medevac
of Pentagon casualties on 9/11). The unit is the primary
medevac for Washington, DC and the U. S. Capitol. The
unit has saved many lives with its hoist capability (e.g., Potomac River Rescues). The unit urgently needs to replace
its three aircraft because each of them exceeds the Department of the Interior 5000 hour flight time guideline
for replacement of emergency service aircraft.
Aircraft Eagle 1
(Bell 412)
Year
1998
Hours
6,626 +
Eagle 2
(Bell 412)
1990
9,381 +
Eagle 3
(Bell 206)
1983
9,946 +
Due to the mission profiles of the unit their aircraft

are frequently flown at the limits of their capabilities.
Having safe and reliable aircraft to fly these important
missions is vital. The unit is now facing the reality that
as these aircraft age and accumulate flight hours flying
these challenging missions the cost of maintaining the
aircraft will substantially increase. Unless action is taken
these aircraft will soon require major overhauls that will
put them out of service for months. Having one of the Bell
412s down for that length of time will mean that the unit
will be unable to fly missions while the remaining Bell 412
is undergoing maintenance. Additionally, the aviation unit
has staffing problems because of the USPPs low staffing.
Three of its pilots are eligible to retire. If one of them retires the unit will no longer be able to operate 24/7.
In the aftermath of the Air Florida Flight 90 rescue,
the FOP worked to improve the rescue capabilities of the
USPP Aviation Unit. Through the efforts of the USPPFOP
and many other individuals Congress saw the wisdom
of having a robust law enforcement aviation capability
in the nations capital. To accomplish this goal Congress
appropriated funds for the USPP to purchase two Bell 412
helicopters which improved the mission effectiveness of
the USPP Aviation Unit. The National Park Service wants
to replace the current helicopters were far less capable
(Cheaper) aircraft. If the Park Service succeeds this means
that the nations capital will not have the law enforcement
aviation capability that it has today; it will be a step backwards. Rescues and law enforcement missions performed
by the unit that are currently seen as commonplace will
soon become riskier or impossible.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2015 (Starting: May 5)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
1st Quarter 2015
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USPPFOP Open Letter to NPS Dir Jarvis Unchallenged

U NITED STA TES PAR K POLIC E
FR A TERNA L ORD ER OF POLIC E
LABOR COMMITTEE
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG
On February 6, 2015, Chairman Ian Glick of the United States Park

Police- Fraternal Order of Police (USPPFOP) published an open letter
to National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis regarding the dangerous
level of operational readiness of the United States Park Police (USPP).
(Note: The letter is displayed to the right.)
The open letter was sent because the USPPFOP did not receive any
reply to previous correspondence sent to Dir. Jarvis regarding USPP
operational readiness. The open letter was posted on the USPPFOPs
Facebook page. Several days after the letter was posted NBC 4 Washington, DC did a story on the open letter. When the reporter asked for
the NPS for a response they had the USPP send the reporter correspondence that stated that they were hiring 18 officers-- as if that was
a solution.
The statements made in the open letter are serious yet the National
Park Service (NPS) has taken no action. The NPS havent said that we
were wrong. They havent asked for a meeting. They havent told us to
leave them alone. They havent even sent a memo. Maybe they dont
care or perhaps they are oblivious. Have they grown so arrogant and
comfortable they think nothing can touch them. Would a reasonable
person responsible for these issues ignore the concerns of their
employees?
1320 G ST SE Washington, DC 20003
AN OPEN LETTER TO NPS DIRECTOR JARVIS

February 6, 2015
Director Jarvis:
The recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria, France, and Australia, carried out by gunmen aligned with terrorist organizations,
increased the concerns of our officers regarding United States Park Police operational readiness. Our officers are well
aware that they are understaffed and underequipped to effectively respond to an attack involving the Statue of Liberty or
one of the monuments in Washington, D.C. United States Park Police operational readiness problems stem from the
continuous reckless neglect of the National Park Service (NPS). These problems have been documented in publications
available at: https://www.scribd.com/slingsam.
Our members patrol areas that represent the founding principles of our great nation where the threat of a terrorist attack is
real. These include the National Mall with its monuments and memorials, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the areas
adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge. On Friday, January 9, 2015, the Federal Bureau of Investigation sent out a bulletin to
all law enforcement agencies in the United States. This bulletin, according to press reports, warned law enforcement
about the professional tactics used by the terrorists in France and further warned agencies to remain vigilant. While many
agencies have increased their security measures as a result of the FBI bulletin, the USPP has taken no additional
precautions. The reason is that they simply dont have the resources.
During a CNN interview about terrorism, on January 18, 2015, Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta stated, They
are engaged in a much more aggressive effort to conduct violence, not only in Europe, but I think it's a matter of time
before they direct it at the United States, as well. This is a real threat and we've got to be prepared to confront that.
While we cannot say that a terrorist attack is imminent, most deadly attacks have occurred without warning. These recent
attacks demonstrate the determination and viciousness of these groups, which have threatened attacks on the many
countries, including the United States. These terrorists will die for their cause and justify the commission of many
heinous acts (e.g., genocide, murder, rape, kidnapping, slavery) to achieve their goals. Failing to prepare for these threats
is unconscionable and will cost lives.
The National Park Service is responsible for protecting not only our national monuments, but also the visitors coming to
see them. United States Park Police officers have demonstrated that they have the heart and courage needed to respond to
these types of incidents. What is lacking is sufficient staffing, sufficient financial support from the National Park Service
and proper equipment. We urge you to take immediate action to correct the problems plaguing the United States Park
Police- to do otherwise will certainly lead to increasing the threat to public safety.
Ian Glick
Chairman
U. S. Park Police Officers respond to incident

during a World Bank Protest
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1st Quarter 2015
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A BEAUTIFUL DAY
CAN TURN UGLY FAST

WE MUST BE READY
1st Quarter 2015
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External Vests Safer and Healthier

Police Departments across the country are making the move to external ballistic vests. In
2009, approximately 1.2% of agencies used the outer vest carrier only, but that is increasing as
the evidence mounts that external vests are safer and healthier for officers. Research shows
that the design limits of fitting a concealed ballistic vest under a shirt limits the coverage area.
Outer vests can be designed to cover about twice the body area covered by a concealed vests
and permit greater air circulation; which makes them more comfortable to wear in hot climates.
The increased air circulation reduces the incidence of skin problems experienced by officers
while wearing concealed ballistic vests. Officers report that external vests are more comfortable
to wear. Studies and common sense indicate that a vest that is more comfortable has a greater
chance of being worn.
Additionally, outer vests can be fitted with pockets and pouches that permit gear to be
carried off the duty belt. Removing gear from the waist and lower back area transferring it to
the torso has reduced instances of back pain and injuries. Duty belt related lower back pain has
long been a common police officer
complaint.
In the last 40 years, the
amount of gear carried on the
duty belt has increased significantly. In the 1980s the average
police officer carried a revolver,
two speed loaders, handuffs,
four belt keepers and a radio on
their duty belt. Nowadays police
officers carry significantly more
equipment (See: Photograph,
Left). Today, the amount of equipment that an officer is required
to carry on the duty belt exceeds
the capacity of many individuals
waist size. They simply cant fit
all the required equipment on the
belt much less carry some other
equipment that is good to have
You see the belt is full and the gear on the belt does not include a
taser, cell phone or body worn camera. Individuals with small waists with you on the street. External
vests are simply safer and healthisimply cannot carry all the equipment on the duty belt.
er than their concealed versions.
The most often voiced
objection to external vests is that they look military or they look intimidating. Departments
around the country have handled this objection by informing the public about the move to the
external vest carrier and explaining the health and safety benefits.
The other objection to exterior vests is that they provide areas for an attacker to grab to
gain an advantage on an officer. That is a concern, but duty belts, coats, jackets and concealed
vests covered only by a light shirt provide grab points, too.
Lets face it traditional police uniforms need to be replaced, they do not provide adequate
protection for officers and require expensive dry cleaning. Police uniforms should be machine
washable so that they can be disinfected more easily. Non-traditional utility police uniforms
provide additional pockets that are larger. This will allow officers more room to carry needed
equipment and can be designed with knee and elbow protection that will reduce injuries. When
you consider the health and safety advantages of external vests and utility uniforms they far
outweigh the how it looks objections. Lets hope safety prevails over image.
1st Quarter 2015
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ROM
ED F
T
N
I
R
P
RE
SUE
S IS
U
O
I
V
E
PR
TEN U. S. PARK POLICE

OPERATIONAL READINESS
ISSUES
RECKLESSLY IGNORED
BY THE
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
SEE THE NEXT TEN PAGES

1st Quarter 2015
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Understaffing and Basic Equipment Shortages

Currently, the U. S. Park Police (USPP) has approximately 610 sworn officers. The National Park
Service (NPS) maintains that the USPP only needs
639 sworn officers. The NPS 639 sworn officer limit is not based on an independent staffing analysis.
There is no known study that supports the NPS 639
officer limit. In fact, the USPP is understaffed at 639
officers.
At this level, they are unable to safely and effectively accomplish their mission. The last independent
staffing analysis of the USPP was done in 1999; two
years before September 11, 2001. This study done
by the consulting firm Booz, Allen & Hamilton concluded that the USPP needed 820 sworn officers to
operate safely. In 2003, former Chief of Police Teresa
Chambers stated that the Park Police needed 1400
sworn officers to operate safely.
The USPP needed to hire two recruit classes in
FY 2014, but they didnt hire a single officer. The
impact of this on safety is real. Soon the staffing
level in USPP Stations in New York and California will
cause these stations to be unable to function.
The USPP budget does not allow the force to replace or purchase other types of basic equipment
like tasers, weapons and cruisers. On a normal day
shortages of officers and equipment arent noticed,
but when a day turns violent, these shortages will
cost lives. The USPP is over 200 officers short of
what is needed to provide an adequate level of protection. Hiring only 18 officers in 2015 will not fix the
problem.
Unless immediate action is taken to correct these

officer shortages there wont be enough officers for
the U. S. Park Police to hold the line.
1st Quarter 2015
Officer shortages and an inadequate security video

system cause officers great concern about the security of the monuments and memorials on the National
Mall in Washington, DC. The video system is not actively monitored because of a shortage of personnel
and viewing stations. Additionally, many of the sites
on the National Mall do not have adequate camera
coverage and many of the cameras are low resolution. These cameras often do not generate video
recordings that are useful evidence.
The U. S. Park Police does replace its vehicles in

a timely manner. There are shortages of cars for
law enforcement operations. Due to the age and
high mileage of the fleet officers spend a good
deal of time taking vehicles to and from repair
facilities. This activity takes away from productive
patrol time.
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Equipment for Capturing Evidence from Digital Devices
DO
E
C
Y
I
G
L
O
O
L
P
O
K
N
R
H
A
C
P
E
.
T
S
S
.
I
U
H
T
The AVE
H
T
NO
A Cellebrite device used to capture evidence from smart phones and tablets.
The United States Park Police (USPP) has limited equipment and no fully trained
officers to secure/analyze evidence from digital devices (mobile phones, tablets,
etc.). Approximately, one year ago the force was loaned a device from another
agency, but this unit was being taken a few months ago. The absence of these
devices and trained personnel to operate them prevents criminal investigations
from being conducted effectively. Despite being well into the digital age the USPPs
capabilities to deal with digital evidence, are extremely limited. Since most people carry mobile phones most criminal investigations involve digital evidence. You
cant conduct investigations properly unless you have this equipment. Over the last
several years, Criminal Investigations Branch personnel have made many attempts
to purchase this equipment and the training to operate them. USPP management
has rejected all requests to purchase this equipment. Each time they said that they
didnt have the money.
1st Quarter 2015
GO TO TOC
Page 14
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

Equipment for Capturing Evidence from Video Surveillance Systems

and Forensic Video Analysis
DO
CE GY
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The AVE T
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NO
This individual, who is not a U. S. Park Police officer, is using a desktop computer running video forensic
software to process video for evidence. Most crimes involve video from digital devices and video surveillance
systems. The U. S. Park Police do not have this technology. The absence of this equipment and personnel
trained to use it greater hampers U. S. Park Police investigations.
The United States Park Police has

no specialized equipment and no
trained officers to secure/analyze
evidence from Video Surveillance
Systems. Without this equipment
criminal investigations cannot be
conducted effectively. In this digital age, many investigations involve
digital evidence from security cameras.
1st Quarter 2015
.
r
e
h
t
i
e
,
s
i
or th
This is a field version of the system depicted in the

picture above. This kit comes with the software loaded on a laptop computer. This kit includes hardware
that facilitates the download of video from video
surveillance DVRs that have proprietary software and
special cables . The U. S. Park Police do not have this
technology which hampers U. S. Park Police investigations.
GO TO TOC
Page 15
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

Modern Digital Radio System (Inter-Agency Functionality)
The United States Park Police radio system

is still partly analog and is unencrypted. There
are also issues relating to coverage in many
areas. In the past year, there have been more
than a few instances where the radio system
went down and officers could not communicate at all. The radio system presents dangers
to the public and officers.
DC Metropolitan Area Law Enforcement
Agencies need a common frequency to coordinate operations during incidents like the Navy
Yard Shooting. The U. S. Park Police need
to have a modern, reliable communications
system.
1st Quarter 2015
GO TO TOC
Page 16
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

Replace Aging Helicopters and Improve Staffing In Aviation

The first of the two Bell 412 helicopters purchased is 23 years
old. In fact, all three United States Park Police (USPP) helicopters
are past due for replacement. The three USPP helicopters exceed
long-standing United States Department of Interior regulations for
replacement of emergency service aircraft. All three are over the
5000 hour DOI limit for law enforcement and rescue operations.
After the rescue of Air Florida crash victims in 1982, the leadership of the United States Park Police and the USPPFOP worked
together to improve the rescue capabilities of the US Park Police
Aviation Unit. They did this by advocating the purchase of equipment and aircraft that would give the unit the capability of safely
rescuing people by hoist. Through the efforts of the USPPFOP, the
... missions performed by the unit, that

are currently seen as commonplace,
will soon become riskier or impossible.
USPP obtained two Bell 412 helicopters that had this enhanced rescue capability. Over time, Congress was convinced that the nations
capital needed a more capable law enforcement aviation capability.
The National Park Service opposed the purchase of these helicopters.
Due to the reckless neglect of the National Park Service, the
USPP Aviation Unit will soon not be able to provide service 24/7,
due to the staffing shortages of the USPP. Approximately half of
the pilots are eligible to retire and if one of these pilots retires the
unit will no longer be able to fly 24 hours a day. Additionally the
National Park Service wants to replace the current helicopters with
far less capable (Cheaper) aircraft. If the NPS prevails, the nations
capital will not have the law enforcement aviation capability that it
has today. This would be a step backwards. Rescues and law enforcement missions performed by the unit that are currently seen
as commonplace, will soon become riskier or impossible. In some
instances, the unit will simply not be available. The simple fact is
that unless the Bell 412s are replaced with aircraft of equal capabilities and the pilot replacement issue is solved lives will be lost.
1st Quarter 2015
Images: (Above) USPP Eagle flying over Washington Navy Yard (Date Unknown)-http://ww2.hdnux.
com, (Below- L to R) USPP Eagle on Medivac mission
from a NPS Parkway- NPS Image , USPP Eagle rescuing eagles from mud- NPS Image, USPP Eagle over
Pentagon on 9/11/2001-http://cdn.historycommons.
org, One of the USPP Eagles assisting in the recovery
efforts after Huricane Sandy- http://fireaviation.com
GO TO TOC
Page 17
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

USPP
Readiness
Issue
#6:
Video Security, Alarms, Digital Notification Signage and Control Centers
a
F
s
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it
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h
Video camera viewing and control station for subway system in Milan, Italy
Officer shortages and an inadequate security video system cause officers great concern about the security of
the monuments and memorials on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The current video system is not adequately
monitored because of a shortage of personnel and limited viewing stations. Additionally, many of the sites on the
National Mall do not have adequate camera coverage and many of the cameras are low resolution. Low resolution
cameras often do not generate video recordings that are useful in investigations or as evidence The U. S. Park
Police (USPP) need a modern Video System Security Control Center that is designed, staffed, equipped and properly maintained to effectively protect the ICONS. The National Mall and the ICONs (NPS Term for monuments and
memorials) should have a security video system, at least equal to the ones used to protect merchandise at major
retail chains and monitor casino operations. Currently, they dont.
The alarm system for NPS facilities on the National Mall is inadequate and needs major improvements. In addition, serious consideration should be given to installing digital signage on the National Mall, which could advise
visitors of event information. A digital signage system could be used to notify the public of dangers and provide
instructions during critical incidents. Each digital sign could have speakers to allow it to be used as a public address system, be designed to allow calls for emergency services and incorporate security cameras to monitor the
areas around the sign. An effective digital signage system could save lives during an emergency and should be
considered.
1st Quarter 2015
GO TO TOC
Page 18
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

Fix Problems with Dispatch and Reporting Systems (IT)
G
IN
l
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R es P
A
WWast
S
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m
Ti
In fact, the United States Park Police does not have

an integrated Dispatch and Reporting System. What they
have is a crude hodgepodge of systems. IMARS, ILEADS, TRACKER and CAD do not speak to each other. The
IMARS the reporting system dictated by the DOI is a disaster.
These unintegrated systems require officer to input
the same information multiple times when completing report or processing arrests. This is inefficient and wastes
patrol time. An already understaffed USPP because of
poor IT solutions has reduced patrol time because officers must perform redundant tasks.
This lack of a coherent system hampers criminal investigations and leads to confusion about how reports
need to be completed. One officer stated that the IMARS
interface has that Windows 95 clunky interface that
makes him nostalgic but, that even for Windows 95 it is
poorly laid out interface.
1st Quarter 2015
GO TO TOC
Page 19
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

Patrol Rifles, Gear and Training for Active Shooter Situations
The threat of active shooter incidents and terrorist attacks is real. This is something where preparation saves lives. United States Park
Police officers (USPP) do not have all of the equipment needed to meet the challenges that these incidents present. While every officer
has received basic training for active shooting incidents, a lack of support by the National Park Service (NPS) has resulted in not every
officer being equipped with a patrol rifle. Additionally, many officers do not have the all of the tactical gear required for active shooter
incidents (e.g. Exterior vests, extra magazines, medical equipment, carriers, etc.).
Recent events in Colorado, Connecticut, Boston and the Washington, DC Navy Yard should be a reminder that these incidents are
deadly and that seconds can mean lives. The lessons learned from these incidents demonstrate that having an adequate number of
properly trained and equipped first responders is critical. Officers of the USPP have shown that they are ready to take action when these
incidents occur, as the actions of United States Park Police officers directly contributed to ending the murderous rampage of the Navy
Yard shooter.
You would think that the NPS would be proud that their officers helped stop the rampage and that their helicopter had saved lives
during the DC Navy Yard incident. However, pride was evidently not the first feeling that they had according to an individual who participated in a conference call the next day between the NPS and USPP leadership. The NPS leadership wanted to know why did the USPP
respond to the Navy Yard (Reason: The Navy Yard and the USPP have a mutual aid agreement or perhaps it was the right thing to do as
the USPP operations facility is directly across the Anacostia River from the Navy Yard and they called for help.), and the NPS wanted the
USPP management to prepare a bill for the U. S. Navy for the cost of the USPP response; thankfully the demand for the bill was refused
by USPP commanders. The reaction of the NPS leadership to the USPP response to this tragedy demonstrates why the USPP has trouble
obtaining the support needed to obtain the staffing, training, and equipment needed to effectively protect the ICONS and more importantly the visitors to them.
1st Quarter 2015
GO TO TOC
Page 20
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG


Participation on Task Forces
Since very few criminals live on the National Mall investigating crimes that occur there requires knowledge of
the surrounding communities. This knowledge is acquired, in part, by participating on FBI task forces.
The United States Park Police (USPP) to maintain effective investigative operations needs to participate fully in area task forces.
Currently, the USPP only has two officers serving on one task force
(FBI Counter-Terrorism)on one task force. When robberies and sexual assaults occur on the National Mall, it quickly becomes international news. Does the NPS think that successful investigations of
theses types of crimes will be possible if officers career experience
is limited to security operations around the ICONs? The reality is
that having officers capable of investigating and successfully prosecuting these serious crimes is a learning process that takes years.
Successful investigations of serious crimes often depend on the
ability to work with other local, state and federal agencies. This is
done by building relationships with other agencies by participating
in task forces run by the FBI and other agencies.
The NPS believes that USPP officers serving on law enforcement task forces run by the FBI, DEA, and ATF is a task outside the
mission of the USPP and the NPS. In the past, the USPPs participation on these task forces gave the USPP (The NPS) quick access to
the significant investigative resources (trained personnel and tech-
1st Quarter 2015
nology) available to agencies that participate. When investigations

cross, jurisdictional lines having officers from all area jurisdictions
on one team clears investigative roadblocks. Additionally, other
agencies on these task forces have investigative technologies, that
up to this time have not been purchased by the USPP because of a
lack of support by the NPS.
Participation on the task forces gives the NPS quick access
to those technologies at no cost. Up until Spring 2013, the USPP
had two officers assigned to the FBIs SAFE STREETS Task Force.
These officers were pulled back because of the furlough in 2013. By
severely limiting participation on task forces, the USPP has limited
its ability to use the task forces capabilities, which has degraded
its investigative capability. Officers who are assigned to these task
forces gain valuable investigative experience and build useful relationships that benefit the NPS. Many serious crimes that have occurred on NPS jurisdiction were successfully investigated because
of task force resources and experience. These benefits are lost
when the USPP does not participate.
GO TO TOC
Page 21
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG


Mass Casualty Equipment
The United States Park Police needs to obtain adequate

equipment and training to effectively treat victims of mass casualty incidents. Medical research and lessons learned in treating
casualties of bombings has determined that the use of tourniquets on near or total amputations saves lives. The USPPFOP
has for many years called for the prepositioning of medical supplies to treat mass casualties in NPS sites and USPP cruisers.
The NPS has so far ignored pleas for this equipment by
the U. S. Park Police-Fraternal Order of Police. The positioning of this equipment will save lives. Joseph Blanseld, Boston
Medical Centers Trauma Program Manager stated in regard to
the treatment of the Boston bombing causalities that,Without
a doubt, tourniquets were a difference-maker and saved lives, .
. .. This statement is supported by a 2008 study, Practical Use
of Emergency Tourniquets to Stop Bleeding in Major Limb Trauma, conducted by Dr. John F. Kragh, Jr. , MD (US Army Institute
of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX) and others at an
Life
threatening bleeding
from extremity wounds is
best controlled initially
through use of
tourniquets, . . .
-The Hartford Consensus
U. S. Army Medical Facility in Baghdad, Iraq. The study concluded that . . .tourniquets are rst aid tools that save lives.
In the discussion portion of the Kragh Study, Dr. Paul E.
Pepe (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas,
TX) stated, In closing, I want to emphasize that the authors
The Hartford Consensus recommends that an integrated

active shooter response should include the critical actions contained in the acronym THREAT:
1. Threat suppression
2. Hemorrhage control
3. Rapid Extrication to safety
4. Assessment by medical providers
5. Transport to definitive care
While some may view the addition of hemorrhage control
skills as yet another training requirement in times of constrained
financial resources, the concepts are simple, proven, and relatively inexpensive; they have already been adopted as best practice by many law enforcement agencies. Life threatening bleeding from extremity wounds is best controlled initially through
use of tourniquets, while internal bleeding resulting from penetrating wounds to the chest and trunk is best addressed through
expeditious transport to a hospital setting. Optimal response to
the active shooter includes identifying and teaching skill sets
appropriate to each level of responder without regard to law enforcement or fire/rescue/EMS affiliation. THREAT incorporates
the proven concepts of self-care and buddy-care.
The U. S. Park Police-Fraternal Order of Police has long

called for the National Park Service (NPS) to deploy prepositioned trauma gear for mass casualty situations. Unfortunately,
nothing has been done. This trauma gear must include sufficient
scientifically designed, laboratory tested, and clinically
validated tourniquets (Kragh Study - Bold Added), and the
training to effectively use them. The USPP also needs sufficient
response forces to deploy this equipment effectively. Currently, the USPP is understaffed, and there arent sufficient officers
for an effective response force. How much longer will the NPS
be permitted to endanger lives by ignoring the evidence? The
equipment, training and personnel for this require immediate
action.
have helped to conrm the overall relative safety of appropriate

tourniquet use and the lifesaving effect when the device is effectively applied. I personally want to express my admiration for
their Herculean pioneer efforts. I think it will signicantly impact
the clinical care and outcome, not only of our soldiers, but also
our families and friends who may someday face. . . similar
trauma in the United States.

The American College of Surgeons and the Federal Bureau
of Investigation brought a group of experts together for the purpose of determining best practices for mass casualty responses.
In a report entitled, The Hartford Consensus, Joint Committee
to Create a National Policy to Enhance Survivability From Mass
Casualty Shooting Events, they concluded:
1st Quarter 2015
Security video still of the Boston Bombing
GO TO TOC
Page 22
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
, 201
9
2
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ON M E S
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LLETIN
BULLETIN
F
TO
REPRIN
July 29, 2014
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG
U. S. Park Police Not Prepared For Grave Terrorist Threat

From Returning ISIS Fighters
The 9/11 Commission reconvened for

the 10th anniversary of their landmark
report, and assessed the current terrorist
threat against the United States. They are
concerned that America has grown fatigued
after 13 years of struggle against terrorism
and fear that a dangerous complacency
has crept in that will divert attention and
needed resources from counter-terrorism efforts. The evidence led them to conclude
that the terrorist threat has transformed, but
remains very dangerous. In their published report, they concluded, in part, The
9/11 Commission Report explained that the
American people were shocked, but should
not have been surprised, by the attacks.
In the years leading up to 9/11, al Qaeda
had already attacked us a number of times.
Unfortunately, except for counterterrorism
specialists in the government, most Americans did not see the connections among
these events. The government did not effectively explain to the public the evil that was
stalking us.
We fear that this is happening again.
On issue after issue the resurgence and
(Above) U. S. Park Police officers stand watch over

the National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial. A
U.S. Park Police officer stated that currently the
USPP is1st
running
on fumes.
Quarter
2015
transformation of al Qaeda, Syria, the

cyber threatpublic awareness lags behind
official Washingtons. If this gap persists,
the political support for needed national security capabilities will fade. In todays very
dangerous world, that is something we can
ill afford.
One former senior national security
leader told us recently that he expects that his
children and grandchildren will be carrying
on this fight. He said,Young Americans need
to know that terrorism is not going away.
(Bold,Underline added)
Todays Rising Terrorist Threat and the
Danger to the United States: Reflections
on the Tenth Anniversary of The 9/11
Commission Report -Read the Commissions Report
The Commission is concerned that ISIS
fighters in Syria and Iraq have gained control of a vast area, and have become wealthy
and better armed. They now have ample resources to recruit and train terrorists. The
Commission estimates that there are about
1000 ISIS fighters with European passports, which will permit the holders to travel to the United States without a visa, and
about 100 ISIS fighters who possess United
States passports. According to the Commission, Foreign fighters returning from Syria
(and now Iraq) pose a grave threat to the
U. S. homeland and Western Europe.
(Bold,Underline added)
For the foreseeable future the United
States faces a grave terrorist threat and the
U. S. Park Police (USPP) doesnt have the
staffing or equipment to effectively deter or
respond to incidents related to that grave
threat. To protect visitors to the National
Mall, the Statue of Liberty and the Golden
Gate Recreation Area the USPP will need the
National Park Service (NPS) to devote more
resources to the USPP and visitor
protection. GORight
the
TO TOCnow
USPP has 600 officers spread across the

nation. In Washington, DC the USPP have
about 465 officers. By comparison, the
U. S. Capitol Police have about 1600 officers in Washington, DC.
The needed enhancements experienced
by most federal law enforcement agencies
after 9/11, just didnt happen to the USPP.
The most recent independent staffing study
of the USPP was conducted in 1999 by the
consulting firm of Booz-Allen and they determined that the USPP needed 820 officers.
Therefore, the USPP is currently about
220 officers short of what was needed 2
years before 9/11. The NPS has ignored the
Booz-Allen study for over a decade.
The NPS needs to take immediate action to protect the visitors and resources
patrolled by the USPP. The USPP must
have full staffing for enforcement operations and a robust response force capability, replacements for the aging helicopter
fleet, sufficient resources to purchase basic
equipment, and a massive upgrade of security systems and procedures on the National
Mall in order to attain the level of operational readiness required to safely meet the
grave threat facing the United States. The
USPP has serious deficiencies that must be
corrected because, the question of the next
attack isnt if, but when, and the NPS must
change for the USPP to be ready.
Foreign fighters
returning from Syria
(and now Iraq) pose a
grave threat to the U.S.
homeland and Western
Europe.
- 9/11 Commission 10th Anniversary
Report
Page
23(Page 7)
n
a
h
T
r
u
o
Y
r
o
ks F
!
t
r
o
p
p
Su
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.)
Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.)
These members of Congress have issued statements

supporting a budget increase
for the U. S. Park Police
GO TO TOC

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EAGLE TIMES

First Quarter 2015

Fraternal Order of Police

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

U. S. Park Police Operational Readiness

1st Quarter 2015

Fraternal Order of Police

United States Park Police Labor Committee

Congress Looking Into USPP Operational Issues

USPPFOP Open Letter to NPS Dir Jarvis Unchallenged

USPP Readiness Issue #5:

USPP Readiness Issue #6:

USPP Readiness Issue #9:

USPP Readiness Issue #10:

Media inquiries should be directed to the Fraternal Order

USPP Readiness Issue #8:

The EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH is published quarterly by

1st Quarter 2015

USPP Readiness Issue #4:

New York Office

USPP Readiness Issue #3:

USPP Readiness Issue #2: