USPP FOP 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
December 2014
THE NPS CONTINUES TO RECKLESSLY IGNORE

U. S. PARK POLICE OPERATIONAL READINESS
LOW STAFFING AND EQUIPMENT ISSUES
AGING HELICOPTERS
DANGEROUS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
CITIZENS & OFFICERS ENDANGERED
Combined Year End Edition

3rd & 4th Quarter 2014
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH
United States Park Police

Operational Readiness Questions To Ask the NPS:
Does the U. S. Park Police have a supply of tourniquets positioned to

treat multiple victims of a bombing at any of the Icons?
(There isnt but, there should be. Studies have established that
tourniquets save lives of bombing victims. Having them close by with
sufficient personnel to secure the area and apply them is critical to
victim survival.)
In the event of an active shooter(s)/bombing(s) at a monument or
memorial in Washington, DC:
How many U. S. Park Police officers are assigned to those locations?
How many U. S. Park Police officers would arrive at that location in
the first 15 minutes of the incident:
During rush hour, Cherry Blossoms, Independence Day and at 2:00
am on a Monday morning?
(Information they should have at the tip of their fingers.)
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.)
Provide documentation that justifies the NPSs United States Park
Police 639 sworn officer limit?
(That would be information that they would have on hand.)
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)?
3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014
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CONTENTS
Chairmans
Report 4
Evidence of USPP Understaffing:
Fence Jumping Rampant at Nov. 2014 Valor Concert
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: editor@usppfop.org
Executive Board

Understaffed USPP Forced to Deal with Large Unruly Crowd 6
Farewell Officer Craig Lane
Farewell Officer Bill Alton
Anniversary of Air Florida Crash Highlights USPP Aviation Readiness

Issues 9
Washington Monument Reopens: National Park Service Ignored Security
Upgrade 10
23 Year Veteran Officer Robert MacLean
Selected as U. S. Park Police Chief
11
Ian Glick
Chair
USPP Readiness Issue #1:

Understaffing and Basic Equipment Shortages
13
Gary Hatch
Vice-Chair
Billy Sepeck
Executive Chief Steward- DC

Equipment for Capturing Evidence from Digital Devices
Bill Battista
Secretary
Mark Faraci
Executive Chief Steward- NY
Anthony McSherry
Treasurer
Russell Kidd
Executive Chief Steward- CA

Equipment for Capturing Evidence from Video Surveillance Systems
and Forensic Video Analysis 15
Shop Stewards
District 3
Debyn Brown
District 4
Gary Hatch
District 5
VACANT
CIB
I.P. Edwards
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
Patrol
Eric Cole
Sean Cox
CIB
Ezra Savage
Staten Island
Robert OBrien
16

Video Security, Alarms, Digital Notification Signage and Control Centers
18
Fix Problems with Dispatch and Reporting Systems (IT)
19

Patrol Rifles, Gear and Training for Active Shooter Situations 20
Participation on Task Forces 21
Mass Casualty Equipment
22
U. S. Park Police Not Prepared For Grave Terrorist Threat
From Returning ISIS Fighters 23
New York Office

Liberty District
Chris Kyriako
Harold Gonzales

Modern Digital Radio System (Inter-Agency Functionality)

Replace Aging Helicopters and Improve Staffing In Aviation 17
Washington, DC
District 1
Dave Crandall
Mike Russo
Sean Kellenberger
James Dingeldein
District 2
Anthony McSherry
Cotayba Al-Saigh
14
Brooklyn
Saoud Mohammed
Robert McGarry
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.
Media inquiries should be directed to the Fraternal Order
of Police, United States Park Police Labor Committee.
Front Page Image:

U. S. Park Police Motor Officer patrols the National Mall
in Washington, DC.- Photograph courtesy of:
Bullneck Images
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Chairmans
Report
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
2014 has been quite a year. Uncertainty, financial hard times, the lingering sting of sequestration furloughs, the unapologetic
apathy displayed by our parent Bureau, lack of personnel, lack of cars, lack of, well, everything!
2015 will be a good year.
It has to be.
How else could things possibly get worse?
We could be wearing green and grey?
Nah.
That'll never happen.
You see, the National Park Service needs us. They need us when they need law enforcement actions taken. They need us
when they need POLICE WORK done. They need us when the proverbial "stuff" hits the fan.
And, more importantly, they need a scapegoat.
The current powers that be, within the NPS, are more concerned with the 2016 centennial celebration. They're more
concerned with photo ops, birthday cakes and plaques bearing their names. They're not concerned with public safety or, for
that matter YOUR safety. They're just concerned about themselves. They're concerned with keeping the NPS looking like one of
those cliche' photographs you see in the calendars peddled by the NPS Trust.
But, what they don't realize (and what they refuse to realize) is that those pictures will only be a memory when (not if)
public safety, visitor and resource protection and infrastructure are not funded properly. They don't realize (or, more likely, don't
care) that, without law enforcement; Rock Creek Park will become a bigger bastion of crime, Riis Park will be used by rapists
and muggers more than it already is, more bodies will be dumped at Floyd Bennett Field and the fragile security of the Statue of
Liberty, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial will be more of a joke than it already is. Up until
there is a terrorist action against one of the monuments and then: "Oh. That's Park Police's fault", they'll say.
So, with that explanation, you see, there is no possible way for 2015 to be any worse than 2014 was.
Oh.
Yeah.
Well, maybe.
More classes? We'll be lucky if we get the one class of 12 we're hiring for.
More cars? Don't count on it. But the Director has his.
More funding? Nope. The Director's office is more concerned about the NPS' 100th birthday than he is a replacement for our
aging helicopter.
More Detectives? Nada. We'll just take the blame when we can't work a homicide case in the Agriculture Research Center or
have the resources to investigate a death in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
New uniforms? Yeah, right. That costs money and remember: the Comptroller's Office controls not only our spending but
makes us dance like elephants at the circus to get it.
So, my friends, 2015 is a new year for the Park Police.
Happy New Year and BE SAFE!
Fraternally,
Ian Glick
Chairman
U.S. Park Police FOP
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Fence Jumping Rampant at Nov. 2014 Valor Concert
Washington, DC (National Mall)- On Veterans Day November 11, 2014 at the valor concert on the National Mall the United States Park
Police were overwhelmed by the crowds due to a lack of staffing. At one point, the crowd began jumping the fence installed to maintain
crowd safety and emergency evacuation routes. The United States Park Police simply did not have enough staffing to control the event
safely. Please view the video, the video lasts a minute and a half. (Hyperlink: Image Above)
The United States Park Police is currently over 200 officers short of full staffing. According to a 1999 staffing study conducted by Booz
Allen & Hamilton the United States Park Police needs approximately 820 officers in order to perform its mission effectively. Currently, the
United States Park Police has less than 600 officers nationwide. There are approximately 450 United States Park Police officers assigned to
the Washington DC area. This study was conducted two years prior to 9/11. While many police departments increased staffing because of
9/11, the NPS has refused to provide the resources needed for the United States Park Police to hire the staff needed to effectively perform
their mission. During the last 15 years, the National Park Service has recklessly ignored the Booz-Allen study unnecessarily endangering
citizens, officers and priceless cultural icons.
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Understaffed USPP Forced to Deal with Large Unruly Crowd
Washington, DC (North Side of White House)- On August 2, 2014 a protest at the White House became tense when the United States
Park Police (USPP) arrested a protester. The protestor had illegally climbed a light pole attempting to display a flag. The USPP detail for
this event was seriously understaffed. There were approximately 25 officers assigned to deal with a very large crowd. USPP management
seriously underestimated the size and intensity of the crowd. In the last few years, this has been a more frequent occurrence because
of the pressure exerted by the National Park Service to cut overtime costs associated with policing these events. USPP officials that dont
follow the National Park Service party line do not get promoted. This factor coupled with the National Park Services reckless policy of
under-staffing the United States Park Police creates a very hazardous operational environment.
The screen grab pictured above shows a masked protestor reaching and grabbing at an USPP officers belt near his weapon. If you
watch the video, it is undeniable that there werent enough officers to manage the large unruly crowd. The video clearly establishes that
the policies of the National Park Service are endangering the public, officers and priceless cultural resources. For the last 15 + years, the
National Park Service has recklessly ignored the understaffing of the United States Park Police. Experience has shown that having sufficient officers on scene before the start of a demonstration prevents crowds from becoming unruly.
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Farewell Officer Craig Lane
Craig James Lane

March 6, 1966 - May 5, 2014
Born in Flint, MI Craig was a United States Marine. Craig was a 17-year veteran officer and
was a Master Patrol Officer in the Rock Creek Station. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of the Izaak Walton League. He loved the game of
baseball-teaching and watching his boys play and was especially proud of his daughters horseback riding accomplishments. He was an avid fan of the Wolverines. He is missed by his fellow
officers..
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Farewell Officer Bill Alton
OFFICER BILL ALTON

August 27, 1972 - September 16, 2014
Officer Bill Alton spent over ten years patrolling the National Parks on the east side of the
Anacostia River while assigned to the U. S. Park Police District 5 Station. Respected by his fellow
officers, he was known as someone who could be depended upon. He is missed by his fellow officers. Donations in Officer Bill Altons Memory may be made to: Free to Breathe.
Free to Breathe is a Lung Cancer research foundation actively doing lung cancer research.
Link: http://www.freetobreathe.org/
Photograph: Bill (Plaid Shirt) with some of his friends at a fundraiser.
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Anniversary of Air Florida Crash Highlights USPP Aviation Readiness Issues

Washington, DC- This coming January 13, 1982, will be the was the 33rd Anniversary of the crash of Air Florida Flight
90 into the 14th Street Bridge and Potomac River in Washington, DC. Sadly, we recently lost United States Park Officer Gene
Windsor, who was the Rescue Technician on Eagle 1 when the United States Park Police helicopter responded to the crash.
The plane crashed into the Potomac River near the 14th Street Bridge after leaving National Airport. Officer Donald W. Usher
piloted Eagle 1, flying in snow, inches (or less) from the waters surface Windsor and Usher rescued passengers clinging to
wreckage in the Potomac River.
After the rescue, 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 United States Park Police obtained two Bell 412 helicopters that had this enhanced rescue capability. The this was accomplished because Congress
saw the wisdom of having a fully capable law enforcement aviation capability in the nations capital. The National Park Service
opposed the purchase of these helicopters.
The first of the two Bell 412 helicopters purchased is now 23 years old. In fact, all three United States Park Police helicopters are past due for replacement. All three aircraft exceed long-standing United States Department of Interior (DOI) regulations for replacement of emergency service aircraft. All three are over a 5000 hour limit instituted by the DOI for safety reasons.
Due to the reckless neglect of the National Park Service, the United States Park Police Aviation Unit will soon not be able to
provide service 24/7, due to the staffing shortages of the United States Park Police. 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 were far less capable (Cheaper) aircraft. 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. In some
instances, the unit will simply not be available.
Lets keep the people lost in this crash in our thoughts and prayers. Let this anniversary serve as a reminder that lives depend on the United States Park Police being prepared. In an instant, an ordinary day can become deadly. The USPPFOP remains
dedicated to the effort to replace the helicopters with aircraft that are as capable as the ones currently in the fleet and to ensure
that the unit has adequate personnel. However, in an budget climate where dedicated military veterans are getting laid off by
the Department of Defense this will not be easy to achieve. History has demonstrated that we must fend for ourselves because
the National Park Service does not support the mission of the United States Park Police. We need all the help we can get.
Photographs: U.S.
Park Police Eagle 1,
piloted by Officer Donald
Usher during the rescue
of passengers from the
crash at the 14th Street
Bridge, the crash scene
and recovery operations.
Bottom Right: Officer
Gene Pappy Windsor
pulls a passenger from
the river.
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Washington Monument Reopens: National Park Service Ignored Security Upgrade

(Washington, DC)- On May 14, 2014, the National Park Service (NPS) reopened the Washington Monument after a ceremony
that included speeches and musical entertainment. The monument was closed for 995 days because of the earthquake that struck
the region on August 23, 2011. The epicenter of the earthquake was 38 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia near a town called
Mineral. The earthquake caused significant damage to some of the monuments stone blocks.
The NPS quickly sent an inspection team to the monument to evaluate the damage. The team observed that some stones
were cracked, pieces of stones had fallen from the monument, and that stones near the top were loose. The team established that
while the monument was not in danger of collapsing the earthquake damage would need to be repaired before the monument
could be reopened.
Mr. David Rubenstein, a philanthropist, and a founder of The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, donated $7.5 million of the
$15 million dollar cost of the repairs. The Citizens of the United States paid for the other half. During the opening ceremony Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell remarked, Thanks to the generosity and patriotism of David Rubenstein, a strong
public-private partnership with the Trust, and the dedication and skill of countless National Park Service employees and contractors, the Washington Monument is now open to visitors,. . .
The opening ceremony was emceed by NBC TODAY show weatherman Al Roker. Entertainment during the opening ceremony
included performances by the U. S. Army- Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, the United States Navy Band, the Boy and Girl Choristers
of Washington National Cathedral Choir, and American Idol winner Candice Glover. During the opening ceremony remarks were
also given by, National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis, White House Counselor John Podesta, National Mall & Memorial Parks
Superintendent Bob Vogel, philanthropist David Rubenstein, Carolyn Cunningham President of The Trust for the National Mall,
Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray, and The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Columbia Delegate to the U. S. House
of Representatives.
Since the reopening of the Washington Monument, there have been instances where the elevator has malfunctioned forcing
the monument to be closed and at times stranding visitors at the top of the monument. The NPS is working on these problems.
However, operational safety and reliability are not the only issues of concern with the elevator system at the Washington Monument. Since, the early 1990s the United States Park Police Fraternal Order of Police has called for improvements to the elevator control system at the Washington
Monument. These improvements are needed to provide adequate security for the
Washington Monument. They have been ignored for approximately 20 years.
The NPS had an ideal opportunity during the 995 days that the monument was
closed to implement these needed improvements to the elevator control system.
Unfortunately, despite being reminded of the need to improve the elevator control
system by the United States Park Police, the NPS did not take advantage of the
opportunity. Despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary, the NPS made no
changes.
This is by itself convincing evidence that the NPS does not take security at their
facilities seriously. In this and many other instances the safety of visitors is compromised by the NPSs lack of support for security and law enforcement operations.
The $15 million spent fixing the earthquake damage will be wasted if insufficient
personnel, systems and procedures result in damage to the monument.
The United States Park Police Fraternal Order of Police remains determined
to convince Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and the United States
Congress that they need to direct the NPS to pay greater attention to the safety of
visitors. The NPS requested $55 million dollars to fund their 100th birthday celebration in 2016, but they havent made any similar requests to fund safe law enforcement operations. They need to obtain funds to secure NPS installations, and ensure
that there are sufficient law enforcement personnel, and equipment to effectively
respond to critical incidents. The United States Park Police is understaffed and underequipped to safely and effectively perform its mission.
(N
Washington Monument Reopening- U. S. Park Police officer answers a

visitors questions during the reopening of the Washington Monument.
(Photo: USPPFOP)
Washington Monument Reopening,

May 14, 2014 (Photo: USPPFOP)
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Washington Monument Reopening-- U. S. Park Police officer stands watch over the
monument and the visitors during the reopening of the Washington Monument.
(Photo: USPPFOP)
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23 Year Veteran Officer Robert MacLean

Selected as U. S. Park Police Chief
U. S. Park Police
Chief Robert MacLean
On December 6, 2014, Deputy Chief Robert McLean became the Chief of the United States
Park Police after being selected for the position by National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis.
Chief MacLean joined the U. S. Park Police in July 1991, and is a 23 year veteran of the Force.
He has served in a variety of operational and administrative positions within the Force. Prior to
his selection as Chief he was the Commander of the Homeland Security Division where he commanded the Icon Protection mission in DC and NY. and the Commander of the Services Division,
which handles the Force's administrative and personnel functions.
The United States Park Police- Fraternal Order of Police congratulates Chief MacLean on his
selection and hopes he is prepared to take on the task of convincing the National Park Service
hierarchy that they must place a higher priority on U. S. Park Police operational readiness. Chief
MacLean is the first United States Park Police Chief to come from the ranks since Chief Robert Langston
in the 1990s.
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TEN U. S. PARK POLICE

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

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Understaffing and Basic Equipment Shortages

Currently, the U. S. Park Police (USPP) has approximately 591 sworn officers. The National Park
Service (NPS) holds the position 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.
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.
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
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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 is being taken back in the next couple of weeks. 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
that is on these devices. You cannot do 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
the device. USPP management has rejected all requests to purchase this equipment. Each time they said that they didnt have the money.
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Equipment for Capturing Evidence from Video Surveillance Systems

and Forensic Video Analysis
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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, most investigations involve digital evidence.
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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.
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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..
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Replace Aging Helicopters and Improve Staffing In Aviation

The first of the two Bell 412 helicopters purchased is now 23
years old. In fact, all three United States Park Police (USPP) helicopters are now past due for replacement. All 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
... missions performed by the unit, that

are currently seen as commonplace,
will soon become riskier or impossible.
rescuing people by hoist. Through the efforts of the USPPFOP, the
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 were
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.
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
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USPP
Readiness
Issue
#6:
Video Security, Alarms, Digital Notification Signage and Control Centers
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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.
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Page 18
WWW.USPPFOP.ORG

Fix Problems with Dispatch and Reporting Systems (IT)
G
IN
l
o
r
N
t
a
R es P
A
WWast
S
R
A
M
e
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.
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Page 19
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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 will save 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 response 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.
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Page 20
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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-
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.
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Page 21
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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:
Security video still of the Boston Bombing
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Page 22
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OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES PARK POLICE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
, 201
9
2
Y
L
JU
ON M E S
UT I
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E A GBUL
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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
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
(Above) U. S. Park Police officers stand watch over
National Park Service (NPS) to devote more
the National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial. A
resources to the USPP and visU.S. Park Police officer stated that currently the
itor
protection. GORight
the
USPP is3rd
running
on
fumes.
& 4th Quarter / December 2014
TO TOCnow
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
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)
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EAGLE TIMES

THE NPS CONTINUES TO RECKLESSLY IGNORE

Combined Year End Edition

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

United States Park Police

Does the U. S. Park Police have a supply of tourniquets positioned to

3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

Fraternal Order of Police

United States Park Police Labor Committee

Evidence of USPP Understaffing:

Farewell Officer Bill Alton

Anniversary of Air Florida Crash Highlights USPP Aviation Readiness

USPP Readiness Issue #1:

USPP Readiness Issue #2:

USPP Readiness Issue #3:

USPP Readiness Issue #6:

USPP Readiness Issue #8:

New York Office

USPP Readiness Issue #4:

USPP Readiness Issue #5:

The EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH is published quarterly by

3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014

Front Page Image:

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

Evidence of USPP Understaffing:

3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

Evidence of USPP Understaffing:

Understaffed USPP Forced to Deal with Large Unruly Crowd

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

Farewell Officer Craig Lane

Craig James Lane

3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

Farewell Officer Bill Alton

OFFICER BILL ALTON

3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

Anniversary of Air Florida Crash Highlights USPP Aviation Readiness Issues

3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

Washington Monument Reopens: National Park Service Ignored Security Upgrade

Washington Monument Reopening- U. S. Park Police officer answers a

Washington Monument Reopening,

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

23 Year Veteran Officer Robert MacLean

3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

TEN U. S. PARK POLICE

SEE THE NEXT TEN PAGES

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

USPP Readiness Issue #1:

Understaffing and Basic Equipment Shortages

Unless immediate action is taken to correct these

Officer shortages and an inadequate security video

The U. S. Park Police does replace its vehicles in

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

USPP Readiness Issue #2:

Equipment for Capturing Evidence from Digital Devices

3rd & 4th Quarter / December 2014

EAGLE TIMES DISPATCH

USPP Readiness Issue #3: