Dear Representative Hice,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to thank you for your leadership in introducing H.R. 3924, the “U.S. Park Police Modernization Act.” We are proud to support this necessary legislation.
Retention and recruitment of law enforcement officers at the Federal level is a critical issue facing the U.S. Park Police (USPP). It is not uncommon, 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 incredibly insufficient to secure an area properly.
Your legislation would address the growing crisis that faces the USPP and their 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 (USSS-UD) and the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP). This will include a reduction in the number of and time between pay grade steps for officers. These changes will make it easier for the USPP to effectively recruit and retain talented officers. Officers will be assured that their career roadmap is equal to that of other Federal law enforcement agencies.
On behalf of the more than 356,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I am proud to offer our support for 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