Dear Madam Chairman and Representative Comer,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to respectfully request that the Committee on Oversight and Reform consider and favorably report H.R. 3924, the “U.S. Park Police Modernization Act.”
Retention and recruitment of law enforcement officers at the Federal level is a critical issue, and the U.S. Park Police (USPP) is no exception. It is common, for example, to assign an entire squad to respond to one incident. Due to insufficient staffing, this could be as few as one to two officers. This would then leave the rest of the patrol area dangerously exposed. Even in cases where there is time in advance to prepare, the number of officers on the ground is woefully insufficient to maintain public safety.
Your legislation would address the growing crisis that faces the USPP and its ability to protect and serve the public. This legislation smartly restructures the service timeline for an officer’s career, putting it in line with other Federal law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division and the U.S. Capitol Police. It will include a reduction in the number and time between pay grade steps for officers. These changes will make it easier for the USPP to effectively recruit and retain talented officers and create better equity with other Federal law enforcement officers.
On behalf of the more than 364,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I ask this committee to swiftly consider and favorably report this legislation. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President