Department of the Interior
Departmental Manual
Effective Date: 8/11/04
Series: Organization
Part 145:
National Park Service
Chapter 10:
United States Park Police
Originating Office: National Park Service
145 DM 10
10.1 Chief, United States Park Police. The United States Park Police (USPP) provides law enforcement services within designated areas of the National Park Service including; preventing and detecting criminal activity, conducting investigations and apprehending individuals suspected of committing offenses against federal, state, and local laws. The USPP is commanded by a Chief of Police, who is responsible for the overall management and effective operation of all activities conducted by the Force. The Chief of Police is assisted by the Executive Command Staff which includes: the Assistant Chief of Police, the Special Assistant to the Chief of Police, the Operations Division Commander, and the Field Offices Division Commander.
A. The Assistant Chief of Police assists and supports the Chief of Police in carrying out the management responsibilities of the Force. The Assistant Chief directly supervises and coordinates the activities of the Operations and Field Offices Divisions and ensures that laws and regulations governing the Force are properly enforced and fair employment policies and procedures are maintained.
B. The Special Assistant to the Chief of Police assists and supports the Chief in all matters related to organizational development and financial management. The Special Assistant serves as the senior advisor to the Chief of Police, and supervises and coordinates the activities of the Planning and Development Unit and the Finance Unit.
C. The Commander of the Operations Division supervises and coordinates the Force in the Washington metropolitan area. The Operations Division is composed of the Patrol Branch, the Criminal Investigations Branch, the Watch Commander=s office, the Property Management Unit, the Facilities Management Unit and the Special Forces Branch.
D. The Commander of the Field Offices Division supervises and coordinates activities of the New York Field Office, the San Francisco Field Office, the Law Enforcement Specialist (WASO), the Regional Law Enforcement Specialists, and special details operating within National Park Service areas outside the National Capital Region, the Technical Services branch, the Training branch and the human resources unit. The field offices perform a full spectrum of law enforcement duties including criminal investigations, specialized functions, and administrative functions. They are responsible for matters concerning visitor and resource protection, security, and law enforcement. Regional Law Enforcement Specialists assist regional directors and park superintendents in executing their law enforcement programs. They provide assistance to parks to ensure that law enforcement programs are managed in accordance with approved standards. They facilitate law enforcement training and may assist in the management of major investigations, disturbances, and other law enforcement incidents in the parks. They conduct liaison with other public safety organizations.
10.2 The Chief of Police also provides direction and guidance for the following:
A. Office of Professional Responsibility. The Office of Professional Responsibility supervises and coordinates the activities of the Internal Affairs Unit, the Audit and Evaluations Unit and the Employee Relations Unit.
B. Public Information Office. The Public Information Office promotes the mission, goals and objectives of the United States Park Police by disseminating information both internally and externally. The office coordinates all communication with local, state, national and international print, radio, television and internet outlets.
C. Special Protection Detail. The Special Protection Detail provides personal security for the Secretary of the Interior.