July 4, 2009
NOTICE OF ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO THE AFGE NATIONAL CONVENTION. Click here for details.
July 1, 2009
On July 8 at 10:00 A.M. at the Dirsken Senate Office Building, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will hold a Full Committee hearing on "The Federal Protective
Service: Time for Reform", focusing on funding and management problems at the agency charged with safeguarding 9,000 federal buildings nationwide.
June 20, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS has added an information page about the pending transfer of the Federal Protective Service to the National Protection and Programs Directorate. The page can be found in
the menu at left (NPPD Transfer Info) or by clicking here.
May 7, 2009
PRESIDENT OBAMA PROPOSES TRANSFER OF FPS TO NPPD; AFGE LOCAL 918's HARD WORK PAYS OFF...AGAIN!
AFGE Local 918-FPS has been working diligently these last few years to have FPS moved out of ICE. The mission of FPS is incompatible with ICE and its other operational components. AFGE
Local 918-FPS has testified before Congressional Committees, lobbied Congress, provided information to the GAO, solicited assistance from President Obama's Administration and taken
countless other actions in an effort to have FPS realigned to a part of DHS with a more compatible mission. FPS never belonged in ICE and just as the Air Marshals were moved from ICE to TSA,
FPS needs to be moved to another part of DHS where the missions are compatible. The creation of the National Programs and Protection Directorate provided a compatible organization for FPS.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has made this clear to the maximum extent possible to senior leadership in the Administration and in Congress. Our efforts seem to have paid off. President Obama’s
budget calls for the transfer of FPS to NPPD. The President’s budget still needs to be approved by Congress, however, AFGE Local 918-FPS remains confident that the transfer of FPS will occur in
Fiscal Year 2010.
AFGE PRESS RELEASE
YES, TAKE FPS OUT OF ICE, SAYS DHS UNION
AFGE applauds administration decision
( WASHINGTON )—The American Federation of Government Employees Local 918 today commended President Barack Obama and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
for their decision to take the Federal Protective Service out of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“This was a bad match from the beginning,” AFGE Local 918 President David Wright said. “The change is an important step toward improving protection and security around our nation’s federal
buildings.
“From the beginning ICE has taken every step to reduce the FPS workforce by starving it of all its resources and attempting to privatize the entire agency,” Wright added. “The latest initiative to
rebuild is just now resulting in restoration of law enforcement officers to the staffing level of 2007, at which point staffing levels still were lower than their highest in 2003 when FPS entered DHS.
“While we are pleased that staffing levels are on the rise, hundreds of FPS law enforcement officers have departed for greener pastures and we have lost their training and experience for good,”
Wright said.
The president’s budget, issued today, transfers FPS from ICE to the National Protection Programs Directorate. “FPS responsibilities, such as providing physical security and policing of Federal
buildings, establishing building security policy, and ensuring compliance are outside the scope of ICE’s immigration and customs enforcement mission and are better aligned to NPPD.”
“ICE was meant to be a big brother to FPS. We needed Wally Cleaver but unfortunately we got Eddie Haskell,” Wright said. “After a long effort, the bullying finally will come to an end and FPS
officers can do the job they have been struggling to do.”
April 28, 2009
ATTENTION FPS SPECIAL AGENTS: A GS-1811-13 internal merit promotion announcement has been posted on USAJOBS. Click here for the announcement.
April 23, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General released a report on the FPS Contract Guard Program. The report can be found on the DHS OIG website by clicking here.
April 22, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright met with ICE Assistant Secretary Nominee John Morton on Monday, April 20, 2009. Mr. Morton displayed a knowledge of the mission, structure and
continuing challenges of the Federal Protective Service. He also embraced the national structure of Local 918 - that its centralized structure would facilitate direct contact with FPS employees in
betterment of labor-management relations. Subsequently, AFGE Local 918-FPS sent a letter in support of Mr. Morton to Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman
Joseph Lieberman and Ranking Member Susan Collins.
On April 22, 2009 at the Mr. Morton's confirmation hearing, Senator Lieberman acknowledged the AFGE Local 918-FPS letter endorsing Mr. Morton for the position of ICE Assistant Secretary. In his
opening statement, Mr. Morton advised the Committee that "strengthening the work of FPS" was a priority. In response to Senator Akaka, Mr. Morton pledged "we have to get it right" in relation to
FPS' fee funding structure and to study the ratio of security contractors to Federal employees.
Mr. Morton also pledged to make finalization of Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations - which have gone nearly two years with little progress - a priority.
April 21, 2009
In follow-up to our April 2, 2009 news post regarding a serious security risk at a New York City Federal Building, AFGE Local 918-FPS has learned that Regional management has finally
addressed the matter and the contractor has been ordered to remove the individual from any work related to a government contract.
April 14, 2009
FPS has begun transition to its new duty weapon: .40 cal. Sig Sauer P229 DAK. AFGE Local 918-FPS had emphasized the need for replacement duty holsters designed specifically for this firearm.
Today, the Union has been advised that FPS HQ will be sending shipments of new holsters to Regional Firearms Instructors for distribution to all FPS law enforcement officers. The new holsters
should arrive in the near future.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has received numerous inquiries on this matter. Members may submit further inquiries or issues on labor matters or working conditions to information@afgelocal918.org.
April 2, 2009
SERIOUS SECURITY RISK CONTINUES AT NYC FEDERAL BUILDING DESPITE REPEATED WARNINGS
AFGE Local 918-FPS remains gravely concerned about a serious security risk in Region 2 that remains unaddressed despite repeated warnings from FPS law enforcement officers and the union.
A contract security guard is being allowed to continue to perform contract security work at a very high risk federal facility – the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City – despite numerous
unsuitable actions that have placed FPS law enforcement officers at risk on several occasions. These actions include several incidents of failure to follow the instructions of FPS personnel,
insubordination and the filing of false reports. Despite the warnings from FPS law enforcement professionals, this individual is allowed to continue to work in a very high-risk, Level IV, federal
building in New York City performing duties that include dictating instructions and orders to contract security guards which has resulted in guards being ordered to leave their assigned posts. In
addition, this individual is allowed unfettered access to FPS law enforcement offices.
It has come to the Local’s attention that this individual may be protected by the personal favor of Regional managers. The Local has learned that the Region 2 Risk Management Branch Chief has
allegedly assisted this individual in gaining full-time federal employment with FPS to include providing personal assistance with preparing a resume, providing personal consult and direction and
befriending this individual working under contract with the Agency. In addition, Regional managers instructed this individual to report an FPS law enforcement officer to the Agency’s Office of
Professional Responsibility for citing this individual for failing to obey a police officer’s instructions. This resulted in numerous FPS law enforcement personnel having to spend numerous hours in
investigative interviews while the false allegations were investigated. Coincidentally, or not, the targeted FPS law enforcement officer was also an officer of AFGE Local 918-FPS which evidences
the Local’s opinion that this Region and ICE E&LR is targeting a union officer for retaliation.
It is time to stop the favoritism and retaliation and start addressing the security risk that this individual presents in a very high-risk federal building. In any other instance and with any other contract
guard not protected by personal favoritism, the individual would have been removed from the contract and prevented from working in a federal building. AFGE Local 918 strongly urges FPS to
immediately remove this individual from any work within a federal building.
March 30, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS rejected an ICE Employee & Labor Relations (ICE E&LR) proposed Memorandum of Agreement today regarding working conditions for FPS employees at the Plum Island
Animal Disease Center (PIADC). AFGE Local 918 has been attempting to reach an agreement on this matter since 2007. ICE E&LR and FPS Region 2 have refused to bargain in good faith and
continue to fail to meet its labor obligations. The Local has previously withdrawn an Unfair Labor Practice Charge (ULP) after the Agency agreed to enter into good faith bargaining over working
conditions. When it became obvious that ICE E&LR was going to continue with its delays, bad faith bargaining and deceitful practices the Local filed a second ULP charge against the Agency. In
an attempt to have the second ULP charge withdrawn by the Local, ICE E&LR proposed an MOA limited to temporary detailed employees knowing that the temporary detailed employees would be
replaced with permanent staff in the very near future. This is not bargaining in good faith!
AFGE Local 918-FPS demands the Agency negotiate a supplemental agreement in good faith and stop playing their games! When can FPS employees expect to see that happen Mr.
McDonough? FPS employees deserve better!
Stay tuned for our next update when we detail attacks on Local 918 Executive Officers orchestrated by ICE E&LR, OPLA and the rest of the Bertucci gang as well as certain FPS managers who have
less than stellar performance records themselves. But since they control the disciplinary process they can hold themselves to a separate standard or no standards at all! It's time for some
accountability.
March 15, 2009
Due to a meeting of the ICE Council, the next meeting of the Executive Board has been rescheduled for April 21, 2009 and the next General Membership meeting has been rescheduled for April
22,, 2009. These will be teleconference meetings.
March 1, 2009
The VF Imagewear website is operational for uniform and equipment procurement. All FPS law enforcement employees received allotments for the appropriate uniform allowance for the purchase
of uniforms and equipment.
FPS has provided a "Standard Issue" list based on position. AFGE Local 918-FPS strongly encourage all law enforcement employees to expeditiously purchase the uniform and equipment items
they require in order to meet the minimum quantities identified on the Standard Issue lists.
February 13, 2009
The AFGE Local 918-FPS executive Board met with FPS Director Gary Schenkel and FPS HQ staff at FPS HQ in Washington, DC. Among the issues discussed at this labor-management meeting
were:
January 27, 2009
REMINDER: The next General Membership Meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2009. Normal teleconference procedures apply. Check the members bulletin board for information.
The February 2009 Executive Board Meeting will take place in person in Washington, DC on February 10, 2009. Executive Board members will receive additional information shortly.
The February 2009 General Membership Meeting will take place on February 18, 2009 via teleconference. The meeting has been re-scheduled due to a labor-management meeting in
Washington, DC. Normal teleconference procedures apply. Check the members bulletin board for information.
January 22, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS congratulates its members for successfully completing the Inauguration Detail despite many challenges and changes that required continuous endurance and flexibility.
Once again you have successfully demonstrated the professionalism and capabilities of the Federal Protective Service. Check out the Federal Times coverage of FPS at the Inauguration here.
FPS INAUGURATION DETAIL AFTER ACTION REPORT
AFGE Local 918-FPS is preparing an After Action Report for the Inauguration Detail. The Local requests all Police Officers, Inspectors, Special Agents and Support Staff who participated in the
Inauguration Detail to submit their comments, observations and recommendations for improvement to AFGE Local 918-FPS by January 27, 2009. Please highlight the positives (what worked)
and the negatives (what did not work) and your recommendation on how to correct any negative issues. From pre-deployment to return back to your respective Region, please feel free to provide
all related information.
You may submit your comments to information@afgelocal918.org or to your respective Regional Vice-President. All comments received by the Local will remain anonymous to the extent allowed
by law. As FPS Director Gary Schenkel stated at the debrief, "silence is consent", so submit your comments and be heard.
January 13, 2009
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO MEMBERS
The General Membership Meeting scheduled for January 14, 2009 has been cancelled. The January General Membership Meeting has been rescheduled for January 28, 2009 at 6PM ET. This
rescheduling is necessary due to duty requirements related to the Inauguration for many of our members.
There will be an Executive Board meeting on January 27, 2009 at 6PM ET.
January 10, 2009
Inauguration News for Members: AFGE Local 918-FPS has learned that the Agency plans to have all GS-13 and below employees, with the exception of K-9 Handlers, double up in hotel rooms
during the Inauguration. In addition, it is believed that employees were paired alphabetically. The Local has been unable to determine the exact reason behind this significant logistical issue but it
appears that the Agency was attempting to keep this particular matter from our members until their arrival at the hotel. Members should prepare for this extremely inconvenient and poorly planned
situation and expect more ill-planned occurrences. Additional information is posted on our Members-Only Bulletin Board.
Has it been so long since the RNC and DNC? Perhaps the leadership in Denver and Minneapolis should have been called upon to coordinate the Inauguration operations. The Local looks
forward to presenting our After Action Report to the FPS Leadership. Let's hope they take the opportunity to address the issues before the next deployment.
January 9, 2009
Federal Protective Service employees are preparing to deploy to Washington, DC for the 2009 Inauguration. AFGE Local 918 requests bargaining unit employees take notes about your experience
related to this detail; document any positive or negative issues encountered before, during and after the detail and provide those comments to the Local. The Local will consolidate our members'
comments into an After Action Report which will be presented to FPS HQ for action and used in future discussions with the Agency to improve logistics and operations of future details.
Please submit comments to information@afgelocal918.org and/or discuss the issues with other members on our Members-Only Bulletin Board.
Thank you.
January 1, 2009
Happy New Year to all FPS employees and their families.
December 29, 2008
The next meeting of the Executive Board is scheduled for January 13, 2009 at 6PM ET. This meeting is for AFGE Local 918-FPS Executive Board members only.
The next General Membership meeting is scheduled for Janaury 14, 2009 at 6PM ET. This meeting is for AFGE Local 918-FPS dues-paying members.
Robert's Rules of Order will be used for the conduct of both meetings. Normal teleconference procedures are in effect. Members should contact their Regional Vice President for teleconference
information.
NOTICE OF ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO THE AFGE NATIONAL CONVENTION. Click here for details.
July 1, 2009
On July 8 at 10:00 A.M. at the Dirsken Senate Office Building, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will hold a Full Committee hearing on "The Federal Protective
Service: Time for Reform", focusing on funding and management problems at the agency charged with safeguarding 9,000 federal buildings nationwide.
June 20, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS has added an information page about the pending transfer of the Federal Protective Service to the National Protection and Programs Directorate. The page can be found in
the menu at left (NPPD Transfer Info) or by clicking here.
May 7, 2009
PRESIDENT OBAMA PROPOSES TRANSFER OF FPS TO NPPD; AFGE LOCAL 918's HARD WORK PAYS OFF...AGAIN!
AFGE Local 918-FPS has been working diligently these last few years to have FPS moved out of ICE. The mission of FPS is incompatible with ICE and its other operational components. AFGE
Local 918-FPS has testified before Congressional Committees, lobbied Congress, provided information to the GAO, solicited assistance from President Obama's Administration and taken
countless other actions in an effort to have FPS realigned to a part of DHS with a more compatible mission. FPS never belonged in ICE and just as the Air Marshals were moved from ICE to TSA,
FPS needs to be moved to another part of DHS where the missions are compatible. The creation of the National Programs and Protection Directorate provided a compatible organization for FPS.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has made this clear to the maximum extent possible to senior leadership in the Administration and in Congress. Our efforts seem to have paid off. President Obama’s
budget calls for the transfer of FPS to NPPD. The President’s budget still needs to be approved by Congress, however, AFGE Local 918-FPS remains confident that the transfer of FPS will occur in
Fiscal Year 2010.
AFGE PRESS RELEASE
YES, TAKE FPS OUT OF ICE, SAYS DHS UNION
AFGE applauds administration decision
( WASHINGTON )—The American Federation of Government Employees Local 918 today commended President Barack Obama and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
for their decision to take the Federal Protective Service out of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“This was a bad match from the beginning,” AFGE Local 918 President David Wright said. “The change is an important step toward improving protection and security around our nation’s federal
buildings.
“From the beginning ICE has taken every step to reduce the FPS workforce by starving it of all its resources and attempting to privatize the entire agency,” Wright added. “The latest initiative to
rebuild is just now resulting in restoration of law enforcement officers to the staffing level of 2007, at which point staffing levels still were lower than their highest in 2003 when FPS entered DHS.
“While we are pleased that staffing levels are on the rise, hundreds of FPS law enforcement officers have departed for greener pastures and we have lost their training and experience for good,”
Wright said.
The president’s budget, issued today, transfers FPS from ICE to the National Protection Programs Directorate. “FPS responsibilities, such as providing physical security and policing of Federal
buildings, establishing building security policy, and ensuring compliance are outside the scope of ICE’s immigration and customs enforcement mission and are better aligned to NPPD.”
“ICE was meant to be a big brother to FPS. We needed Wally Cleaver but unfortunately we got Eddie Haskell,” Wright said. “After a long effort, the bullying finally will come to an end and FPS
officers can do the job they have been struggling to do.”
April 28, 2009
ATTENTION FPS SPECIAL AGENTS: A GS-1811-13 internal merit promotion announcement has been posted on USAJOBS. Click here for the announcement.
April 23, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General released a report on the FPS Contract Guard Program. The report can be found on the DHS OIG website by clicking here.
April 22, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright met with ICE Assistant Secretary Nominee John Morton on Monday, April 20, 2009. Mr. Morton displayed a knowledge of the mission, structure and
continuing challenges of the Federal Protective Service. He also embraced the national structure of Local 918 - that its centralized structure would facilitate direct contact with FPS employees in
betterment of labor-management relations. Subsequently, AFGE Local 918-FPS sent a letter in support of Mr. Morton to Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman
Joseph Lieberman and Ranking Member Susan Collins.
On April 22, 2009 at the Mr. Morton's confirmation hearing, Senator Lieberman acknowledged the AFGE Local 918-FPS letter endorsing Mr. Morton for the position of ICE Assistant Secretary. In his
opening statement, Mr. Morton advised the Committee that "strengthening the work of FPS" was a priority. In response to Senator Akaka, Mr. Morton pledged "we have to get it right" in relation to
FPS' fee funding structure and to study the ratio of security contractors to Federal employees.
Mr. Morton also pledged to make finalization of Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations - which have gone nearly two years with little progress - a priority.
April 21, 2009
In follow-up to our April 2, 2009 news post regarding a serious security risk at a New York City Federal Building, AFGE Local 918-FPS has learned that Regional management has finally
addressed the matter and the contractor has been ordered to remove the individual from any work related to a government contract.
April 14, 2009
FPS has begun transition to its new duty weapon: .40 cal. Sig Sauer P229 DAK. AFGE Local 918-FPS had emphasized the need for replacement duty holsters designed specifically for this firearm.
Today, the Union has been advised that FPS HQ will be sending shipments of new holsters to Regional Firearms Instructors for distribution to all FPS law enforcement officers. The new holsters
should arrive in the near future.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has received numerous inquiries on this matter. Members may submit further inquiries or issues on labor matters or working conditions to information@afgelocal918.org.
April 2, 2009
SERIOUS SECURITY RISK CONTINUES AT NYC FEDERAL BUILDING DESPITE REPEATED WARNINGS
AFGE Local 918-FPS remains gravely concerned about a serious security risk in Region 2 that remains unaddressed despite repeated warnings from FPS law enforcement officers and the union.
A contract security guard is being allowed to continue to perform contract security work at a very high risk federal facility – the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City – despite numerous
unsuitable actions that have placed FPS law enforcement officers at risk on several occasions. These actions include several incidents of failure to follow the instructions of FPS personnel,
insubordination and the filing of false reports. Despite the warnings from FPS law enforcement professionals, this individual is allowed to continue to work in a very high-risk, Level IV, federal
building in New York City performing duties that include dictating instructions and orders to contract security guards which has resulted in guards being ordered to leave their assigned posts. In
addition, this individual is allowed unfettered access to FPS law enforcement offices.
It has come to the Local’s attention that this individual may be protected by the personal favor of Regional managers. The Local has learned that the Region 2 Risk Management Branch Chief has
allegedly assisted this individual in gaining full-time federal employment with FPS to include providing personal assistance with preparing a resume, providing personal consult and direction and
befriending this individual working under contract with the Agency. In addition, Regional managers instructed this individual to report an FPS law enforcement officer to the Agency’s Office of
Professional Responsibility for citing this individual for failing to obey a police officer’s instructions. This resulted in numerous FPS law enforcement personnel having to spend numerous hours in
investigative interviews while the false allegations were investigated. Coincidentally, or not, the targeted FPS law enforcement officer was also an officer of AFGE Local 918-FPS which evidences
the Local’s opinion that this Region and ICE E&LR is targeting a union officer for retaliation.
It is time to stop the favoritism and retaliation and start addressing the security risk that this individual presents in a very high-risk federal building. In any other instance and with any other contract
guard not protected by personal favoritism, the individual would have been removed from the contract and prevented from working in a federal building. AFGE Local 918 strongly urges FPS to
immediately remove this individual from any work within a federal building.
March 30, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS rejected an ICE Employee & Labor Relations (ICE E&LR) proposed Memorandum of Agreement today regarding working conditions for FPS employees at the Plum Island
Animal Disease Center (PIADC). AFGE Local 918 has been attempting to reach an agreement on this matter since 2007. ICE E&LR and FPS Region 2 have refused to bargain in good faith and
continue to fail to meet its labor obligations. The Local has previously withdrawn an Unfair Labor Practice Charge (ULP) after the Agency agreed to enter into good faith bargaining over working
conditions. When it became obvious that ICE E&LR was going to continue with its delays, bad faith bargaining and deceitful practices the Local filed a second ULP charge against the Agency. In
an attempt to have the second ULP charge withdrawn by the Local, ICE E&LR proposed an MOA limited to temporary detailed employees knowing that the temporary detailed employees would be
replaced with permanent staff in the very near future. This is not bargaining in good faith!
AFGE Local 918-FPS demands the Agency negotiate a supplemental agreement in good faith and stop playing their games! When can FPS employees expect to see that happen Mr.
McDonough? FPS employees deserve better!
Stay tuned for our next update when we detail attacks on Local 918 Executive Officers orchestrated by ICE E&LR, OPLA and the rest of the Bertucci gang as well as certain FPS managers who have
less than stellar performance records themselves. But since they control the disciplinary process they can hold themselves to a separate standard or no standards at all! It's time for some
accountability.
March 15, 2009
Due to a meeting of the ICE Council, the next meeting of the Executive Board has been rescheduled for April 21, 2009 and the next General Membership meeting has been rescheduled for April
22,, 2009. These will be teleconference meetings.
March 1, 2009
The VF Imagewear website is operational for uniform and equipment procurement. All FPS law enforcement employees received allotments for the appropriate uniform allowance for the purchase
of uniforms and equipment.
FPS has provided a "Standard Issue" list based on position. AFGE Local 918-FPS strongly encourage all law enforcement employees to expeditiously purchase the uniform and equipment items
they require in order to meet the minimum quantities identified on the Standard Issue lists.
February 13, 2009
The AFGE Local 918-FPS executive Board met with FPS Director Gary Schenkel and FPS HQ staff at FPS HQ in Washington, DC. Among the issues discussed at this labor-management meeting
were:
- Review of FPS operations during the Inauguration;
- Briefing on the capabilities and upcoming roll out of the new Risk Assessment & Management Program, Computer Aided Dispatch & Information System and Post Tracking System;
- Training, FLETC firearms qualification and the new Field Training and Evaluation Program;
- Establishment of Working Groups on topics of mutual concern to include: Firearms Training, Critical Incident Response, Officer Safety-MegaCenter-Communications, K-9 Program,
Position Descriptions; - Recruitment and staffing;
- Uniform Allowance;
- Labor-Management Partnership
January 27, 2009
REMINDER: The next General Membership Meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2009. Normal teleconference procedures apply. Check the members bulletin board for information.
The February 2009 Executive Board Meeting will take place in person in Washington, DC on February 10, 2009. Executive Board members will receive additional information shortly.
The February 2009 General Membership Meeting will take place on February 18, 2009 via teleconference. The meeting has been re-scheduled due to a labor-management meeting in
Washington, DC. Normal teleconference procedures apply. Check the members bulletin board for information.
January 22, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS congratulates its members for successfully completing the Inauguration Detail despite many challenges and changes that required continuous endurance and flexibility.
Once again you have successfully demonstrated the professionalism and capabilities of the Federal Protective Service. Check out the Federal Times coverage of FPS at the Inauguration here.
FPS INAUGURATION DETAIL AFTER ACTION REPORT
AFGE Local 918-FPS is preparing an After Action Report for the Inauguration Detail. The Local requests all Police Officers, Inspectors, Special Agents and Support Staff who participated in the
Inauguration Detail to submit their comments, observations and recommendations for improvement to AFGE Local 918-FPS by January 27, 2009. Please highlight the positives (what worked)
and the negatives (what did not work) and your recommendation on how to correct any negative issues. From pre-deployment to return back to your respective Region, please feel free to provide
all related information.
You may submit your comments to information@afgelocal918.org or to your respective Regional Vice-President. All comments received by the Local will remain anonymous to the extent allowed
by law. As FPS Director Gary Schenkel stated at the debrief, "silence is consent", so submit your comments and be heard.
January 13, 2009
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO MEMBERS
The General Membership Meeting scheduled for January 14, 2009 has been cancelled. The January General Membership Meeting has been rescheduled for January 28, 2009 at 6PM ET. This
rescheduling is necessary due to duty requirements related to the Inauguration for many of our members.
There will be an Executive Board meeting on January 27, 2009 at 6PM ET.
January 10, 2009
Inauguration News for Members: AFGE Local 918-FPS has learned that the Agency plans to have all GS-13 and below employees, with the exception of K-9 Handlers, double up in hotel rooms
during the Inauguration. In addition, it is believed that employees were paired alphabetically. The Local has been unable to determine the exact reason behind this significant logistical issue but it
appears that the Agency was attempting to keep this particular matter from our members until their arrival at the hotel. Members should prepare for this extremely inconvenient and poorly planned
situation and expect more ill-planned occurrences. Additional information is posted on our Members-Only Bulletin Board.
Has it been so long since the RNC and DNC? Perhaps the leadership in Denver and Minneapolis should have been called upon to coordinate the Inauguration operations. The Local looks
forward to presenting our After Action Report to the FPS Leadership. Let's hope they take the opportunity to address the issues before the next deployment.
January 9, 2009
Federal Protective Service employees are preparing to deploy to Washington, DC for the 2009 Inauguration. AFGE Local 918 requests bargaining unit employees take notes about your experience
related to this detail; document any positive or negative issues encountered before, during and after the detail and provide those comments to the Local. The Local will consolidate our members'
comments into an After Action Report which will be presented to FPS HQ for action and used in future discussions with the Agency to improve logistics and operations of future details.
Please submit comments to information@afgelocal918.org and/or discuss the issues with other members on our Members-Only Bulletin Board.
Thank you.
January 1, 2009
Happy New Year to all FPS employees and their families.
December 29, 2008
The next meeting of the Executive Board is scheduled for January 13, 2009 at 6PM ET. This meeting is for AFGE Local 918-FPS Executive Board members only.
The next General Membership meeting is scheduled for Janaury 14, 2009 at 6PM ET. This meeting is for AFGE Local 918-FPS dues-paying members.
Robert's Rules of Order will be used for the conduct of both meetings. Normal teleconference procedures are in effect. Members should contact their Regional Vice President for teleconference
information.
| 2009 NEWS & UPDATES ARCHIVE |
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| AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES LOCAL 918-FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE Representing Federal Protective Service Employees Nationwide |
| Copyright 2009: American Federation of Government Employees Local 918. All rights reserved. |
July 8, 2009
LIEBERMAN AND COLLINS TO DRAFT FPS REFORM LEGISLATION
Agency Needs Additional Resources, Training Plans; Bomb Materials Smuggled into 10 Federal Buildings
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me., announced they would introduce legislation
to set the Federal Protective Service on course to fulfill its mission of protecting 9,000 federal buildings around the country after GAO investigators smuggled bomb-making materials past guards
at 10 very-high risk federal facilities.
Senators Lieberman, Collins, Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, and George Voinovich, R-Ohio, will soon begin drafting an FPS authorization bill that would give the Department of Homeland Security
Secretary authorization to move the agency from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the National Protection and Programs Directorate within DHS, provide an initial increase in funding,
and require a long-term strategy for staffing and training.
The four Senators originally asked GAO to investigate the Federal Protective Service in 2007 to determine if it was fulfilling its mission. GAO produced its first report last June and concluded that
FPS lacked adequate financial and management practices, severely hampering its ability to perform its mission.
July 8, 2009
GAO: Major Security Flaws at Federal Buildings
The General Accountability Office testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today citing serious weaknesses in security at federal buildings across the
Nation. In the past year, GAO investigators successfully smuggled bomb-making materials into ten very high-risk (Level IV) federal facilities, constructed bombs and walked around the facilities
undetected, exposing weaknesses in security provided by the Federal Protective Service.
"The findings of covert security tests conducted by GAO investigators are stunning and completely unacceptable. In post-9/11 America, I cannot fathom how security breaches of this magnitude
were allowed to occur," said Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the committee. "These security lapses and others show a disturbing pattern by the Federal Protective Service of
poor training, lapsed documentation, lax management, inconsistent enforcement of security standards and little rigor."
The GAO found other problems with guard training and reported that in one check of security, investigators found a guard asleep on the job after taking the painkiller Percocet. In another, they
found a guard failed to recognize or did not properly X-ray a box carrying handguns at the loading dock of a facility.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has been calling for action to reform the Federal Protective Service for years. It is time for actions and not words. AFGE Local 918-FPS will continue to call on Congress and
the Administration to take the legislative and executive action necessary to reform the Federal Protective Service and protect our federal facilities and the thousands of persons who work in and
visit federal facilities everyday.
LIEBERMAN AND COLLINS TO DRAFT FPS REFORM LEGISLATION
Agency Needs Additional Resources, Training Plans; Bomb Materials Smuggled into 10 Federal Buildings
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me., announced they would introduce legislation
to set the Federal Protective Service on course to fulfill its mission of protecting 9,000 federal buildings around the country after GAO investigators smuggled bomb-making materials past guards
at 10 very-high risk federal facilities.
Senators Lieberman, Collins, Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, and George Voinovich, R-Ohio, will soon begin drafting an FPS authorization bill that would give the Department of Homeland Security
Secretary authorization to move the agency from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the National Protection and Programs Directorate within DHS, provide an initial increase in funding,
and require a long-term strategy for staffing and training.
The four Senators originally asked GAO to investigate the Federal Protective Service in 2007 to determine if it was fulfilling its mission. GAO produced its first report last June and concluded that
FPS lacked adequate financial and management practices, severely hampering its ability to perform its mission.
July 8, 2009
GAO: Major Security Flaws at Federal Buildings
The General Accountability Office testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today citing serious weaknesses in security at federal buildings across the
Nation. In the past year, GAO investigators successfully smuggled bomb-making materials into ten very high-risk (Level IV) federal facilities, constructed bombs and walked around the facilities
undetected, exposing weaknesses in security provided by the Federal Protective Service.
"The findings of covert security tests conducted by GAO investigators are stunning and completely unacceptable. In post-9/11 America, I cannot fathom how security breaches of this magnitude
were allowed to occur," said Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the committee. "These security lapses and others show a disturbing pattern by the Federal Protective Service of
poor training, lapsed documentation, lax management, inconsistent enforcement of security standards and little rigor."
The GAO found other problems with guard training and reported that in one check of security, investigators found a guard asleep on the job after taking the painkiller Percocet. In another, they
found a guard failed to recognize or did not properly X-ray a box carrying handguns at the loading dock of a facility.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has been calling for action to reform the Federal Protective Service for years. It is time for actions and not words. AFGE Local 918-FPS will continue to call on Congress and
the Administration to take the legislative and executive action necessary to reform the Federal Protective Service and protect our federal facilities and the thousands of persons who work in and
visit federal facilities everyday.
| FOX News Reports on Flaws in Federal Building Security...AGAIN!!! First reported story two years ago, Federal facilities remain at great risk two years later! |
FOX News (Boston) is reporting on the security
problems that continue to plague the Federal
Protective Service. FOX News first reported on the
serious security issues at federal facilities in March
2007. The problems continue and federal buildings
remain at great risk despite promises from the
Department of Homeland Security and lawmakers to
fix the problems. AFGE Local 918-FPS President
David Wright once again tries to get the Local 918
message out in this news report.
Let's hope that FOX News is not reporting the same
problems 2 years from now...or worse!!!
Read the FOX News report by clicking here and
watch the videos of the report at left.
problems that continue to plague the Federal
Protective Service. FOX News first reported on the
serious security issues at federal facilities in March
2007. The problems continue and federal buildings
remain at great risk despite promises from the
Department of Homeland Security and lawmakers to
fix the problems. AFGE Local 918-FPS President
David Wright once again tries to get the Local 918
message out in this news report.
Let's hope that FOX News is not reporting the same
problems 2 years from now...or worse!!!
Read the FOX News report by clicking here and
watch the videos of the report at left.
FOX news report, July 19, 2009
FOX news original report from March 2007
Write your Congressional Representatives and
demand immediate action to reform the Federal
Protective Service and protect federal facilities. FPS
needs direct appropriations and a major increase in
personnel in order to protect the federal facilities.
Protection is needed 24-hours daily and not the
8-hours a day in which the FPS currently operates.
Tell Congress to give FPS the resources it needs to
ensure the safety of federal buildings throughout the
country.
demand immediate action to reform the Federal
Protective Service and protect federal facilities. FPS
needs direct appropriations and a major increase in
personnel in order to protect the federal facilities.
Protection is needed 24-hours daily and not the
8-hours a day in which the FPS currently operates.
Tell Congress to give FPS the resources it needs to
ensure the safety of federal buildings throughout the
country.
| CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES TODAY AND DEMAND ACTION!! |
July 19, 2009
| CNN Reports on GAO Testing of Federal Building Security Bomb parts smuggled into federal buildings. CNN's Heidi Collins reports and interviews AFGE Local 918-FPS President David Wright |
July 19, 2009
July 28, 2009
Washington Post's Federal Eye: Uncertified Guards Protected FDA HQ
At least 58 private contract security guards with improper credentials were reassigned from the Food and Drug Administration headquarters in Rockville, MD this month after an inspection by the
Federal Protective Service, according to a report by the Washington Post's Federal Eye. Read the news article in its entirety at Washingtonpost.com or by clicking here.
Washington Post's Federal Eye: Uncertified Guards Protected FDA HQ
At least 58 private contract security guards with improper credentials were reassigned from the Food and Drug Administration headquarters in Rockville, MD this month after an inspection by the
Federal Protective Service, according to a report by the Washington Post's Federal Eye. Read the news article in its entirety at Washingtonpost.com or by clicking here.
| Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs PROBLEMS CONTINUE AT FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE Human Capital, Communication Issues Widespread |
WASHINGTON- A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report shows that the Federal Protective Service (FPS) lacks a comprehensive personnel management strategy and does not
communicate effectively with the federal agencies it protects.
The report, “Federal Protective Service Should Improve Human Capital Planning and Better Communicate with Tenants” (GAO-09-749), was requested by Senate Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me., Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce
and the District of Columbia Chairman Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, Ranking Member George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and several House members.
The report, made public Thursday, found that the FPS does not have a human capital plan to guide its current and future workforce planning efforts. GAO also found that the FPS does not collect
centralized and standardized data on the knowledge, skills, or abilities of its employees, forcing its regional leadership to develop disparate systems and strategies for managing their
employees. Additionally, GAO found a significant lack of communication between the FPS and its customers – federal agencies - with over 80 percent of its customers relying on other agencies
for emergency law enforcement. The report also found widespread gaps in its client contact information.
“The Federal Protective Service faces serious challenges, as the Committee’s hearing earlier this month demonstrated,” Lieberman said. “But I am particularly alarmed by the GAO’s
conclusions that the FPS lacks an effective hiring, training, and staff development process just weeks after the FPS Director told our Committee the agency needs additional personnel to protect
federal buildings. I am also troubled by the FPS’ lack of a long term strategy to manage current and future workforce needs and its lack of a constructive relationship with the federal agency it
protects. We will address these issues, and more, as we work on legislation to modernize the FPS.”
Collins said the report “gives us even more evidence of the urgent need to reform critical areas of this poorly performing agency.” Although the Committee staff has received multiple briefings,
the Committee has yet to receive an internal FPS review outlining what immediate and long-term steps will be taken to rectify security lapses and to increase the safety of employees and visitors
at federal buildings. The Committee expects this report shortly.
Collins and Lieberman have previously labeled the agency’s overall work a “security crisis” after learning that federal investigators had successfully smuggled bomb-making materials into 10
high-security federal buildings guarded by the FPS. The FPS protects 9,000 federal buildings around the country. At the time, Collins said Congress needed to “immediately remedy these very
serious and alarming gaps in our security,” which she called “a pervasive, systemic problem.”
Akaka said: “Insufficient and uneven training have been cited repeatedly as a weakness of the Federal Protective Service. This report highlights the need for FPS to develop a strategic human
capital plan that ensures a uniform approach to training and workforce planning across its 11 regions. In particular, the agency needs a plan because it has not been able to accurately assess
its staffing needs, and DHS and Congress are left guessing during the budgeting process.”
“The ability of FPS to meet its mission has continued to deteriorate since its transfer to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003,” Voinovich said. “It seems that FPS has become a second-
class citizen within the Department, at the expense of public security and employee morale. This GAO report paints a troubling picture of operational challenges, management problems and
poor coordination inside and outside of FPS.
The report is part of a comprehensive review of the FPS that Lieberman, Collins, Akaka and Voinovich have asked the GAO to conduct. The first report, issued in June 2008, revealed several
challenges that impeded the FPS’ ability to protect federal buildings. The Committee also held a July 8 hearing that focused on contract guard management.
communicate effectively with the federal agencies it protects.
The report, “Federal Protective Service Should Improve Human Capital Planning and Better Communicate with Tenants” (GAO-09-749), was requested by Senate Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me., Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce
and the District of Columbia Chairman Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, Ranking Member George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and several House members.
The report, made public Thursday, found that the FPS does not have a human capital plan to guide its current and future workforce planning efforts. GAO also found that the FPS does not collect
centralized and standardized data on the knowledge, skills, or abilities of its employees, forcing its regional leadership to develop disparate systems and strategies for managing their
employees. Additionally, GAO found a significant lack of communication between the FPS and its customers – federal agencies - with over 80 percent of its customers relying on other agencies
for emergency law enforcement. The report also found widespread gaps in its client contact information.
“The Federal Protective Service faces serious challenges, as the Committee’s hearing earlier this month demonstrated,” Lieberman said. “But I am particularly alarmed by the GAO’s
conclusions that the FPS lacks an effective hiring, training, and staff development process just weeks after the FPS Director told our Committee the agency needs additional personnel to protect
federal buildings. I am also troubled by the FPS’ lack of a long term strategy to manage current and future workforce needs and its lack of a constructive relationship with the federal agency it
protects. We will address these issues, and more, as we work on legislation to modernize the FPS.”
Collins said the report “gives us even more evidence of the urgent need to reform critical areas of this poorly performing agency.” Although the Committee staff has received multiple briefings,
the Committee has yet to receive an internal FPS review outlining what immediate and long-term steps will be taken to rectify security lapses and to increase the safety of employees and visitors
at federal buildings. The Committee expects this report shortly.
Collins and Lieberman have previously labeled the agency’s overall work a “security crisis” after learning that federal investigators had successfully smuggled bomb-making materials into 10
high-security federal buildings guarded by the FPS. The FPS protects 9,000 federal buildings around the country. At the time, Collins said Congress needed to “immediately remedy these very
serious and alarming gaps in our security,” which she called “a pervasive, systemic problem.”
Akaka said: “Insufficient and uneven training have been cited repeatedly as a weakness of the Federal Protective Service. This report highlights the need for FPS to develop a strategic human
capital plan that ensures a uniform approach to training and workforce planning across its 11 regions. In particular, the agency needs a plan because it has not been able to accurately assess
its staffing needs, and DHS and Congress are left guessing during the budgeting process.”
“The ability of FPS to meet its mission has continued to deteriorate since its transfer to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003,” Voinovich said. “It seems that FPS has become a second-
class citizen within the Department, at the expense of public security and employee morale. This GAO report paints a troubling picture of operational challenges, management problems and
poor coordination inside and outside of FPS.
The report is part of a comprehensive review of the FPS that Lieberman, Collins, Akaka and Voinovich have asked the GAO to conduct. The first report, issued in June 2008, revealed several
challenges that impeded the FPS’ ability to protect federal buildings. The Committee also held a July 8 hearing that focused on contract guard management.
July 30, 2009
September 29, 2009
AFGE Local 918-FPS is seeking input from our membership on the recent G20 Detail for an After Action Report/Improvement Plan. Members are requested to submit their comments to Region 3
Regional Vice President Matt Peris at matt.peris@afgelocal918.org. Please submit your comments by October 09, 2009.
Changes in meeting dates:
The next Executive Board meeting is scheduled for October 21. The next General Membership meeting is scheduled for October 22. Please note these changes from our regularly scheduled
dates.
September 23, 2009
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management will meet on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at 2:00 p.m.,
in room 2167 of the Rayburn House Office Building to examine existing security level categories in Federal buildings and the allocation of security funds. The Committee will also examine
obstacles in providing effective and efficient building security. FPS officials and other officials are scheduled to testify. Find more info at the House T&I website by clicking here.
September 10, 2009
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Commemorates 9/11 with Openness Bill and Hearing on Lax and Unprofessional Security at Federal Buildings
On the eve of the eighth anniversary of 9/11 Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced the United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act to ensure a
balance of openness and access, particularly to federal facilities funded by taxpayers, while maintaining and increasing security against threats posed by global and domestic terrorism. Read
more here.
September 09, 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure strongly supports the transfer of the Federal Protective Service to the National Protection and Programs
Directorate. In a letter to members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Congressman James Oberstar and Congresswoman Eleanor Homes Norton state that "the GAO reports make
very clear the need for major reform of FPS" and that they "believe that moving FPS from ICE to the NPPD is a critical first step on the road to comprehensive reform of this important federal
agency." Read the full letter here.
September 8, 2009
The Executive Board meeting has been postponed until September 22, 2009. The General Membership meeting has been postponed until September 23, 2009.
August 2, 2009
New page added to our website. We've added a "Videos" page where we will post videos of interest to our members and the general public. Check it out by clicking the Videos button in the menu
bar at left or by clicking here.
AFGE Local 918-FPS is seeking input from our membership on the recent G20 Detail for an After Action Report/Improvement Plan. Members are requested to submit their comments to Region 3
Regional Vice President Matt Peris at matt.peris@afgelocal918.org. Please submit your comments by October 09, 2009.
Changes in meeting dates:
The next Executive Board meeting is scheduled for October 21. The next General Membership meeting is scheduled for October 22. Please note these changes from our regularly scheduled
dates.
September 23, 2009
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management will meet on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at 2:00 p.m.,
in room 2167 of the Rayburn House Office Building to examine existing security level categories in Federal buildings and the allocation of security funds. The Committee will also examine
obstacles in providing effective and efficient building security. FPS officials and other officials are scheduled to testify. Find more info at the House T&I website by clicking here.
September 10, 2009
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Commemorates 9/11 with Openness Bill and Hearing on Lax and Unprofessional Security at Federal Buildings
On the eve of the eighth anniversary of 9/11 Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced the United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act to ensure a
balance of openness and access, particularly to federal facilities funded by taxpayers, while maintaining and increasing security against threats posed by global and domestic terrorism. Read
more here.
September 09, 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure strongly supports the transfer of the Federal Protective Service to the National Protection and Programs
Directorate. In a letter to members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Congressman James Oberstar and Congresswoman Eleanor Homes Norton state that "the GAO reports make
very clear the need for major reform of FPS" and that they "believe that moving FPS from ICE to the NPPD is a critical first step on the road to comprehensive reform of this important federal
agency." Read the full letter here.
September 8, 2009
The Executive Board meeting has been postponed until September 22, 2009. The General Membership meeting has been postponed until September 23, 2009.
August 2, 2009
New page added to our website. We've added a "Videos" page where we will post videos of interest to our members and the general public. Check it out by clicking the Videos button in the menu
bar at left or by clicking here.
Continuing its push to transfer the Federal Protective Service out of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the American Federation of Government Employees today
applauded the Department of Homeland Security conferees for endorsing such an action.
“On behalf of AFGE Local 918, the Federal Protective Service union, I want to congratulate the DHS Appropriations Committee conferees for allowing the transfer of FPS
out of ICE and into the National Protection and Programs Directorate as part of the FY 10 DHS Appropriations bill,” AFGE Local 918 President David Wright said. “In our
view, NPPD is a far more appropriate home for this beleaguered agency and the nation will see a stronger, more effective FPS under the new leadership.
“I am proud that it was our union that first uncovered the long festering problems at FPS and the need for immediate and comprehensive reform,” he said. “Too often
unions are accused of focusing only on the workers and not the mission of federal agencies. In this and many other cases, it is the union and its workers who are willing
to pull back the curtain and expose the truth.”
FPS has come under attack for reported weaknesses in federal building security, which AFGE publicly attributed to underfunding and mismanagement, and more
specifically in the number of contract guards hired to protect said buildings.
“The transfer of FPS is the first critical step on the road to FPS reform, but there is much more to be done,” Wright added. “We look forward to working with the Congress
to advance further important reforms later this year.”
Earlier this year, AFGE and Wright commended President Obama for proposing the transfer of FPS from ICE to the NPPD, stating that “ICE was meant to be a big brother
to FPS. We needed Wally Cleaver but unfortunately we got Eddie Haskell.”
applauded the Department of Homeland Security conferees for endorsing such an action.
“On behalf of AFGE Local 918, the Federal Protective Service union, I want to congratulate the DHS Appropriations Committee conferees for allowing the transfer of FPS
out of ICE and into the National Protection and Programs Directorate as part of the FY 10 DHS Appropriations bill,” AFGE Local 918 President David Wright said. “In our
view, NPPD is a far more appropriate home for this beleaguered agency and the nation will see a stronger, more effective FPS under the new leadership.
“I am proud that it was our union that first uncovered the long festering problems at FPS and the need for immediate and comprehensive reform,” he said. “Too often
unions are accused of focusing only on the workers and not the mission of federal agencies. In this and many other cases, it is the union and its workers who are willing
to pull back the curtain and expose the truth.”
FPS has come under attack for reported weaknesses in federal building security, which AFGE publicly attributed to underfunding and mismanagement, and more
specifically in the number of contract guards hired to protect said buildings.
“The transfer of FPS is the first critical step on the road to FPS reform, but there is much more to be done,” Wright added. “We look forward to working with the Congress
to advance further important reforms later this year.”
Earlier this year, AFGE and Wright commended President Obama for proposing the transfer of FPS from ICE to the NPPD, stating that “ICE was meant to be a big brother
to FPS. We needed Wally Cleaver but unfortunately we got Eddie Haskell.”
| AFGE APPLAUDS DHS APPROPRIATIONS TRANSFER OF FPS OUT OF ICE Transfer of FPS is critical, says AFGE |
October 09, 2009
| FPS Managers Continue to Place NYC Federal Facilities and Employees at Great Risk AFGE calls for end to mismanagement, change in Region 2 leadership and significant increases in the number of FPS Police Officers and Inspectors in New York City; Urgent action is needed! |
October 19, 2009
In a recent letter to FPS Director Gary Schenkel, AFGE Local 918 President David Wright expressed grave concerns about Region 2 leadership and the critical FPS
staffing levels within New York City. Citing serious issues that continue to plague FPS operations in Region 2 and New York City, AFGE strongly believes that
incompetent and ineffective leadership in Region 2 is placing federal facilities, employees and visitors at grave risk.
AFGE Local 918-FPS remains extremely concerned about severely inefficient staffing levels in New York City and the poor leadership within Region 2. AFGE believes
that the Federal Protective Service is in severe crisis in New York City and despite repeated warnings over several years there have been no significant changes or
actions taken to address the issues. FPS lacks the necessary staffing and proper leadership within New York City and is unable to effectively carry out its mission in the
highest risk metropolitan area within the United States. The limited staff in New York City is routinely poorly used and frequently assigned to temporary and extended
details outside of New York City.
Senior leadership and managers of Region 2 have consistently demonstrated that they lack the necessary skill, experience and initiative to carry out their responsibilities
and ensure the protection of federal facilities and the safety and welfare of FPS employees in Region 2, primarily in New York City. AFGE finds the decisions and actions
and the frequent lack of action by Region 2 management officials to be a major obstacle to effective mission accomplishment.
Citing examples of mismanagement, incompetence and inappropriate use of the limited FPS staffing resources in New York City, AFGE has called for a change in
leadership in Region 2 and New York City that includes the replacement of the Regional Director John Ulianko, Deputy Regional Director Chris Pappas, Metro New York
City District Director David Metzger and New York City Area Commander Rafael Bou. The issues identified in the letter include sensitive security information not suitable
for full public disclosure for risk of further increasing the risk to federal facilities and personnel however, AFGE fully intends to inform members of Congress of the many
issues and areas of concern and call for an urgent change in leadership and increase in uniformed law enforcement staff in New York City and Region 2.
Region 2 is a prime example of the poor management that members of Congress have cited as one of the major problems within FPS. Changes in Regional leadership
are necessary if Region 2 is to become an effective component of the Federal Protective Service and ensure "Secure facilities, Safe Occupants" in Region 2. At an
absolute minimum, the Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director and Metro District Commander need to be relieved and replaced. New, aggressive leadership is
necessary in Region 2. This is a Region in crisis!
AFGE Local 918 President David Wright has expressed a willingness to meet and discuss the critical issues in New York City with FPS Director Gary Schenkel but to date
these offers and our calls for action have been rebuffed. AFGE has been expressing its concerns about critical New York City staffing levels and serious management
deficiencies for years but these warnings have gone unheeded. AFGE can no longer stand by and allow our membership, federal employees and visitors to federal
facilities to be placed at great risk by the continued problems that plague FPS operations in New York City. In light of the recent arrest of a terror suspect planning an
attack on New York City and the continuing threat of terror attack in this high-risk metropolitan area, AFGE demands major changes and we will take appropriate action
to ensure our warnings are properly addressed. AFGE is calling for Congressional action to ensure that necessary changes are implemented and federal facilities in New
York City are secure and their occupants are safe.
staffing levels within New York City. Citing serious issues that continue to plague FPS operations in Region 2 and New York City, AFGE strongly believes that
incompetent and ineffective leadership in Region 2 is placing federal facilities, employees and visitors at grave risk.
AFGE Local 918-FPS remains extremely concerned about severely inefficient staffing levels in New York City and the poor leadership within Region 2. AFGE believes
that the Federal Protective Service is in severe crisis in New York City and despite repeated warnings over several years there have been no significant changes or
actions taken to address the issues. FPS lacks the necessary staffing and proper leadership within New York City and is unable to effectively carry out its mission in the
highest risk metropolitan area within the United States. The limited staff in New York City is routinely poorly used and frequently assigned to temporary and extended
details outside of New York City.
Senior leadership and managers of Region 2 have consistently demonstrated that they lack the necessary skill, experience and initiative to carry out their responsibilities
and ensure the protection of federal facilities and the safety and welfare of FPS employees in Region 2, primarily in New York City. AFGE finds the decisions and actions
and the frequent lack of action by Region 2 management officials to be a major obstacle to effective mission accomplishment.
Citing examples of mismanagement, incompetence and inappropriate use of the limited FPS staffing resources in New York City, AFGE has called for a change in
leadership in Region 2 and New York City that includes the replacement of the Regional Director John Ulianko, Deputy Regional Director Chris Pappas, Metro New York
City District Director David Metzger and New York City Area Commander Rafael Bou. The issues identified in the letter include sensitive security information not suitable
for full public disclosure for risk of further increasing the risk to federal facilities and personnel however, AFGE fully intends to inform members of Congress of the many
issues and areas of concern and call for an urgent change in leadership and increase in uniformed law enforcement staff in New York City and Region 2.
Region 2 is a prime example of the poor management that members of Congress have cited as one of the major problems within FPS. Changes in Regional leadership
are necessary if Region 2 is to become an effective component of the Federal Protective Service and ensure "Secure facilities, Safe Occupants" in Region 2. At an
absolute minimum, the Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director and Metro District Commander need to be relieved and replaced. New, aggressive leadership is
necessary in Region 2. This is a Region in crisis!
AFGE Local 918 President David Wright has expressed a willingness to meet and discuss the critical issues in New York City with FPS Director Gary Schenkel but to date
these offers and our calls for action have been rebuffed. AFGE has been expressing its concerns about critical New York City staffing levels and serious management
deficiencies for years but these warnings have gone unheeded. AFGE can no longer stand by and allow our membership, federal employees and visitors to federal
facilities to be placed at great risk by the continued problems that plague FPS operations in New York City. In light of the recent arrest of a terror suspect planning an
attack on New York City and the continuing threat of terror attack in this high-risk metropolitan area, AFGE demands major changes and we will take appropriate action
to ensure our warnings are properly addressed. AFGE is calling for Congressional action to ensure that necessary changes are implemented and federal facilities in New
York City are secure and their occupants are safe.
| Despite Warnings, FPS Managers in NYC Ignore Contract Guard Oversight Issue Contract Guard removed from federal security contract for misconduct allowed to work on different federal security contract in the same city; calls for guard's removal by FPS Inspectors ignored |
October 20, 2009
In testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on July 8, 2009, Government Accountability Office officials told senators that the
Federal Protective Service is failing to properly oversee its 13,000-strong contract guard force, causing grave security gaps at federal buildings nationwide. Members of
Congress were astonished by the GAO’s findings. "In this post-9/11 world that we're now living in, I cannot fathom how security breaches of this magnitude were allowed to
occur," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, ranking member of the committee. Chairman Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., said that in all his years of reading GAO reports,
this one represented "about the broadest indictment of an agency in the federal government I've heard."
Yet, despite these warnings and congressional criticism, FPS managers in New York City still refuse to properly oversee contract security guards in New York City. AFGE
Local 918 has learned that a contract security guard who was removed from working under a federal security guard contract in Manhattan was discovered just months
later performing work as a security guard under a separate federal contract in the New York City borough of Queens. The guard, who was removed for gross inattention
to duties that resulted in costly damage to federal property at a high-risk federal building in Lower Manhattan, was discovered working at a new high-risk federal facility in
Queens. While working at the new federal facility, FPS personnel discovered several deficiencies in the individual’s performance which alone would merit the individual's
removal as a contract security guard for FPS.
These new deficiencies and the fact that this individual was recently removed from the Manhattan federal security contract were reported by FPS Inspectors and Police
Officers to FPS Area Commander Rafael Bou, the New York City Lead Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) who oversees all federal security guard
contracts in New York City, yet no action was taken and this individual continues to work as a contract security guard at a high risk federal facility. FPS Inspectors have
reported this matter up through Region 2 chain of command to Regional Director John Ulianko and still no action has been taken to date to remove this guard based on
his prior removal from a federal security contract and the new deficiencies discovered during his tenure at the new federal facility in the New York City borough of
Queens. .
At the July 8, 2009 Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, lawmakers called GAO's findings disturbing, shocking and outrageous, and asked urgently and
repeatedly what they could do to help FPS gain control of the situation. It is for this reason that, despite these warnings by GAO and Congressional criticism, AFGE is
bewildered and gravely concerned by the actions and lack thereof by FPS managers in New York City and Region 2.
In a recent letter to FPS Director Gary Schenkel, AFGE Local 918, citing examples of mismanagement, incompetence and inappropriate use of the limited FPS staffing
resources in New York City, called for a change in leadership in Region 2 and New York City that includes the replacement of the Regional Director John Ulianko, Deputy
Regional Director Chris Pappas, Metro New York City District Director David Metzger and New York City Area Commander Rafael Bou. AFGE remains convinced that an
aggressive change in Region 2 leadership is necessary in order to reduce the great risk to federal facilities caused by the current Region 2 managers.
Federal Protective Service is failing to properly oversee its 13,000-strong contract guard force, causing grave security gaps at federal buildings nationwide. Members of
Congress were astonished by the GAO’s findings. "In this post-9/11 world that we're now living in, I cannot fathom how security breaches of this magnitude were allowed to
occur," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, ranking member of the committee. Chairman Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., said that in all his years of reading GAO reports,
this one represented "about the broadest indictment of an agency in the federal government I've heard."
Yet, despite these warnings and congressional criticism, FPS managers in New York City still refuse to properly oversee contract security guards in New York City. AFGE
Local 918 has learned that a contract security guard who was removed from working under a federal security guard contract in Manhattan was discovered just months
later performing work as a security guard under a separate federal contract in the New York City borough of Queens. The guard, who was removed for gross inattention
to duties that resulted in costly damage to federal property at a high-risk federal building in Lower Manhattan, was discovered working at a new high-risk federal facility in
Queens. While working at the new federal facility, FPS personnel discovered several deficiencies in the individual’s performance which alone would merit the individual's
removal as a contract security guard for FPS.
These new deficiencies and the fact that this individual was recently removed from the Manhattan federal security contract were reported by FPS Inspectors and Police
Officers to FPS Area Commander Rafael Bou, the New York City Lead Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) who oversees all federal security guard
contracts in New York City, yet no action was taken and this individual continues to work as a contract security guard at a high risk federal facility. FPS Inspectors have
reported this matter up through Region 2 chain of command to Regional Director John Ulianko and still no action has been taken to date to remove this guard based on
his prior removal from a federal security contract and the new deficiencies discovered during his tenure at the new federal facility in the New York City borough of
Queens. .
At the July 8, 2009 Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, lawmakers called GAO's findings disturbing, shocking and outrageous, and asked urgently and
repeatedly what they could do to help FPS gain control of the situation. It is for this reason that, despite these warnings by GAO and Congressional criticism, AFGE is
bewildered and gravely concerned by the actions and lack thereof by FPS managers in New York City and Region 2.
In a recent letter to FPS Director Gary Schenkel, AFGE Local 918, citing examples of mismanagement, incompetence and inappropriate use of the limited FPS staffing
resources in New York City, called for a change in leadership in Region 2 and New York City that includes the replacement of the Regional Director John Ulianko, Deputy
Regional Director Chris Pappas, Metro New York City District Director David Metzger and New York City Area Commander Rafael Bou. AFGE remains convinced that an
aggressive change in Region 2 leadership is necessary in order to reduce the great risk to federal facilities caused by the current Region 2 managers.
| FPS Managers Ignore Critical Staffing Levels in New York City Lack of sufficient uniformed officers prevents necessary coverage for high-risk metropolitan area; Deployments, lack of equipment strain workforce and place NYC federal facilities, employees and visitors at great risk |
October 22, 2009
Despite repeated warnings from AFGE Local 918, the Government Accountability Office, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General and several Members
of Congress and Congressional Committees, FPS Director Gary Schenkel and Region 2 Regional Director John Ulianko continue to ignore the critical staffing levels in
Region 2, especially in New York City. The severely limited number of uniformed law enforcement personnel is placing federal facilities at great risk of crime and terror
attack. FPS lacks sufficient staffing to provide 24 hour daily, 7-day per week coverage. Presently, FPS lacks sufficient staff in New York City to cover the normal business
hours, Monday through Friday.
AFGE has expressed its grave concerns about that the critical staffing levels that not only place federal facilities at greater risk but also places FPS uniformed law
enforcement officers at great risk. The limited staff in New York City is spread thin and in addition to being unable to provide 24/7 coverage, the Region is unable to
provide complete geographical coverage of this high-risk metropolitan area and throughout New York and New Jersey. With the recent arrest of a terror suspect who was
allegedly planning to carry out attacks in New York City on the 8th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, it is unfathomable that FPS managers can continue
to ignore this major staffing issue.
AFGE remains gravely concerned that Regional Director John Ulianko continues to be aloof to the critical staffing levels after all these years. It is clear that he has lost
touch with the daily operations of Region 2 and fails to grasp the severity of risk the critical staffing levels are causing. Despite the extremely limited number of staff,
Director Ulianko continues to allow New York City staff to be deployed to missions outside of the Region. The Metropolitan New York City District Commander has been
away from the Region and his command for more time this year than he has been present. In fact, he is presently on detail outside of New York City until April 2010. In
addition, the Area Commander for New York City is deployed on detail for two weeks. A number of unformed law enforcement officers are also deployed on details or
unable to perform their law enforcement duties for a variety of reasons and retirements and resignations continue to strain FPS operations in New York City. With staffing
at such critical levels, AFGE is baffled that two FPS Inspectors are assigned to limited duty as they await the arrival of new bullet resistant vests. These two Inspectors
have been without the required vests for four months which are supposedly "on order". It is clear that Region 2 management lacks the initiative and desire to address this
safety issue for our uniformed officers nor do they care about the impact this issue has on mission accomplishment.
Similar issues strain the workforce throughout New York State and New Jersey. As an example, FPS law enforcement officers in Upstate New York attempt to cover the
border crossing station facilities along the northern border with just one or two Inspectors daily. This is an impossible task and places FPS officers and the facilities at
great risk.
FPS needs a major staffing increase throughout Region 2 especially in the New York City Metropolitan area. Staffing levels can be increased five-fold and there would still
be a need for additional staff to ensure 24/7 daily coverage throughout the high-risk metropolitan areas in Region 2. With the repeated threat of terrorist attacks, the
recent arrest of a terror suspect seeking to attack New York City, the fact that New York City remains on Orange Alert, the staffing levels in this very-high risk major
metropolitan area should be a priority for FPS. Unfortunately, that is not the case and not only is staffing not being increased but staff is being assigned to duties and
assignments outside of the Region. It is clear after several years as Regional Director, John Ulianko lacks the initiative to address these issues and new leadership is
necessary in Region 2.
In a recent letter to FPS Director Gary Schenkel, AFGE has called upon the Director to address the critical staffing levels in Region 2 and, citing examples of
mismanagement, incompetence and inappropriate use of the limited FPS staffing resources in New York City, called for a change in leadership in Region 2 and New York
City that includes the replacement of the Regional Director John Ulianko, Deputy Regional Director Chris Pappas, Metro New York City District Director David Metzger and
New York City Area Commander Rafael Bou. AFGE remains convinced that a major increase in Region 2 uniformed law enforcement officers and an aggressive change
in Region 2 leadership is essential to reducing the great risk to federal facilities caused by the current Region 2 managers and lack of adequate staff. AFGE urges
immediate action to start the hiring process. If Director Schenkel cannot take the necessary actions to address these problems then a change in FPS National leadership
will be necessary.
of Congress and Congressional Committees, FPS Director Gary Schenkel and Region 2 Regional Director John Ulianko continue to ignore the critical staffing levels in
Region 2, especially in New York City. The severely limited number of uniformed law enforcement personnel is placing federal facilities at great risk of crime and terror
attack. FPS lacks sufficient staffing to provide 24 hour daily, 7-day per week coverage. Presently, FPS lacks sufficient staff in New York City to cover the normal business
hours, Monday through Friday.
AFGE has expressed its grave concerns about that the critical staffing levels that not only place federal facilities at greater risk but also places FPS uniformed law
enforcement officers at great risk. The limited staff in New York City is spread thin and in addition to being unable to provide 24/7 coverage, the Region is unable to
provide complete geographical coverage of this high-risk metropolitan area and throughout New York and New Jersey. With the recent arrest of a terror suspect who was
allegedly planning to carry out attacks in New York City on the 8th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, it is unfathomable that FPS managers can continue
to ignore this major staffing issue.
AFGE remains gravely concerned that Regional Director John Ulianko continues to be aloof to the critical staffing levels after all these years. It is clear that he has lost
touch with the daily operations of Region 2 and fails to grasp the severity of risk the critical staffing levels are causing. Despite the extremely limited number of staff,
Director Ulianko continues to allow New York City staff to be deployed to missions outside of the Region. The Metropolitan New York City District Commander has been
away from the Region and his command for more time this year than he has been present. In fact, he is presently on detail outside of New York City until April 2010. In
addition, the Area Commander for New York City is deployed on detail for two weeks. A number of unformed law enforcement officers are also deployed on details or
unable to perform their law enforcement duties for a variety of reasons and retirements and resignations continue to strain FPS operations in New York City. With staffing
at such critical levels, AFGE is baffled that two FPS Inspectors are assigned to limited duty as they await the arrival of new bullet resistant vests. These two Inspectors
have been without the required vests for four months which are supposedly "on order". It is clear that Region 2 management lacks the initiative and desire to address this
safety issue for our uniformed officers nor do they care about the impact this issue has on mission accomplishment.
Similar issues strain the workforce throughout New York State and New Jersey. As an example, FPS law enforcement officers in Upstate New York attempt to cover the
border crossing station facilities along the northern border with just one or two Inspectors daily. This is an impossible task and places FPS officers and the facilities at
great risk.
FPS needs a major staffing increase throughout Region 2 especially in the New York City Metropolitan area. Staffing levels can be increased five-fold and there would still
be a need for additional staff to ensure 24/7 daily coverage throughout the high-risk metropolitan areas in Region 2. With the repeated threat of terrorist attacks, the
recent arrest of a terror suspect seeking to attack New York City, the fact that New York City remains on Orange Alert, the staffing levels in this very-high risk major
metropolitan area should be a priority for FPS. Unfortunately, that is not the case and not only is staffing not being increased but staff is being assigned to duties and
assignments outside of the Region. It is clear after several years as Regional Director, John Ulianko lacks the initiative to address these issues and new leadership is
necessary in Region 2.
In a recent letter to FPS Director Gary Schenkel, AFGE has called upon the Director to address the critical staffing levels in Region 2 and, citing examples of
mismanagement, incompetence and inappropriate use of the limited FPS staffing resources in New York City, called for a change in leadership in Region 2 and New York
City that includes the replacement of the Regional Director John Ulianko, Deputy Regional Director Chris Pappas, Metro New York City District Director David Metzger and
New York City Area Commander Rafael Bou. AFGE remains convinced that a major increase in Region 2 uniformed law enforcement officers and an aggressive change
in Region 2 leadership is essential to reducing the great risk to federal facilities caused by the current Region 2 managers and lack of adequate staff. AFGE urges
immediate action to start the hiring process. If Director Schenkel cannot take the necessary actions to address these problems then a change in FPS National leadership
will be necessary.
October 29, 2009
| AFGE Applauds FPS Move Out of ICE Move is the best thing to happen to FPS, says union |
(Washington) The American Federation of Government Employees today cheered the official transfer of the Federal Protective Service out of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement and into the National Protection and Programs Directorate.
AFGE has for years urged the White House and Congress to take FPS out from under ICE’s authority.
“AFGE is grateful that President Obama, DHS Secretary Napolitano and Congress heard us on the dire need for this change to take place,” AFGE National President
John Gage said. “AFGE Local 918, led by President David Wright, led this hard-fought effort, and should be applauded for its courage in bringing countless issues to the
table.”
“All that happened under ICE was that FPS was starved of all its resources, morale plummeted and attrition rose. FPS and ICE attempted to change the FPS law
enforcement Mission to Policy Compliance and oversight of contract guards,” Wright said.
“We believe that NPPD is a far more appropriate home for this beleaguered agency and the nation will see a stronger, more effective FPS under the new leadership,” he
added. “AFGE looks forward to working with FPS and NPPD management to restore staffing levels for FPS law enforcement officers, and rebuild this beleaguered
agency.”
AFGE Local 918 is a national local that represents FPS employees across the country.
Enforcement and into the National Protection and Programs Directorate.
AFGE has for years urged the White House and Congress to take FPS out from under ICE’s authority.
“AFGE is grateful that President Obama, DHS Secretary Napolitano and Congress heard us on the dire need for this change to take place,” AFGE National President
John Gage said. “AFGE Local 918, led by President David Wright, led this hard-fought effort, and should be applauded for its courage in bringing countless issues to the
table.”
“All that happened under ICE was that FPS was starved of all its resources, morale plummeted and attrition rose. FPS and ICE attempted to change the FPS law
enforcement Mission to Policy Compliance and oversight of contract guards,” Wright said.
“We believe that NPPD is a far more appropriate home for this beleaguered agency and the nation will see a stronger, more effective FPS under the new leadership,” he
added. “AFGE looks forward to working with FPS and NPPD management to restore staffing levels for FPS law enforcement officers, and rebuild this beleaguered
agency.”
AFGE Local 918 is a national local that represents FPS employees across the country.
| Information for our Membership and FPS Employees regarding the transfer of the FPS to the NPPD |
The Federal Protective Service has been transferred from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the National Protection and Programs Directorate.
The goal of the NPPD is to advance the Department of Homeland Security's risk-reduction mission. Reducing risk requires an integrated approach that encompasses both physical and virtual
threats and their associated human elements. The mission of FPS includes the reduction of risk for federal facilities. Rand Beers is the Under Secretary for NPPD.
For the near future, FPS will continue to receive mission support from ICE in areas such as human resources and pay administration, firearms program, information technology and other areas as
may be necessary. All ICE and FPS directives, policies and/or procedures remain in effect unless otherwise specifically rescinded by the Director of FPS or the Under Secretary for NPPD.
The transfer will not result in any change in pay or benefits for FPS employees. The transfer will not result in law enforcement retirement coverage, increased or decreased pay, administratively
uncontrollable overtime (AUO), a change in law enforcement or firearms carry authority, a change in the funding mechanism for FPS or any other related benefit other than the organizational
realignment of FPS under NPPD.
AFGE Local 918-FPS is continuing to work with members of Congress to develop legislation to improve the method of funding FPS, increase FPS staffing, enhance retirement benefits for law
enforcement employees, provide administratively uncontrollable overtime pay, enhance law enforcement authority specifically while off-duty and address management deficiencies throughout FPS.
Please be patient as we strive to address these and other areas of concern of our membership.
The goal of the NPPD is to advance the Department of Homeland Security's risk-reduction mission. Reducing risk requires an integrated approach that encompasses both physical and virtual
threats and their associated human elements. The mission of FPS includes the reduction of risk for federal facilities. Rand Beers is the Under Secretary for NPPD.
For the near future, FPS will continue to receive mission support from ICE in areas such as human resources and pay administration, firearms program, information technology and other areas as
may be necessary. All ICE and FPS directives, policies and/or procedures remain in effect unless otherwise specifically rescinded by the Director of FPS or the Under Secretary for NPPD.
The transfer will not result in any change in pay or benefits for FPS employees. The transfer will not result in law enforcement retirement coverage, increased or decreased pay, administratively
uncontrollable overtime (AUO), a change in law enforcement or firearms carry authority, a change in the funding mechanism for FPS or any other related benefit other than the organizational
realignment of FPS under NPPD.
AFGE Local 918-FPS is continuing to work with members of Congress to develop legislation to improve the method of funding FPS, increase FPS staffing, enhance retirement benefits for law
enforcement employees, provide administratively uncontrollable overtime pay, enhance law enforcement authority specifically while off-duty and address management deficiencies throughout FPS.
Please be patient as we strive to address these and other areas of concern of our membership.
November 18, 2009
| GAO releases yet another critical report on the Federal Protective Service FPS has not completed many related corrective actions and FPS faces implementation challenges as well |
On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, the Government Accountability Office released a report on the Federal Protective Service. The report entitled "Greater Attention
to Key Practices Would Improve the Federal Protective Service’s Approach to Facility Protection"
The GAO found that FPS's approach to securing GSA buildings reflects some aspects of key protection practices; however, GAO found limitations in each area and
identified vulnerabilities. More specifically: (1) FPS faces obstacles in allocating resources using risk management. FPS uses an outdated risk assessment tool and a
subjective, time-consuming process to assess risk. In addition, resource allocation decisions are the responsibility of GSA and tenant agencies. This leads to uncertainty
about whether risks are being mitigated. Also, FPS continues to struggle with funding challenges that impede its ability to allocate resources effectively. (2) FPS does not
have a strategic human capital management plan to guide its current and future workforce planning efforts, making it difficult to discern how effective its transition to an
inspector-based workforce will be. Furthermore, because contract guards were not properly trained and did not comply with post orders, GAO investigators concealing
components for an improvised explosive device passed undetected by FPS guards at 10 of 10 high-security facilities in four major cities. (3) FPS lacks a systematic
approach for leveraging technology, and inspectors do not provide tenant agencies with an analysis of alternative technologies, their cost, and the associated reduction
in risk. As a result, there is limited assurance that the recommendations inspectors make are the best available alternatives, and tenant agencies must make resource
allocation decisions without key information. (4) FPS has developed information sharing and coordination mechanisms with GSA and tenant agencies, but there is
inconsistency in the type of information shared and the frequency of coordination. (5) FPS lacks a reliable data management system for accurately tracking performance
measurement and testing. Without such a system, it is difficult for FPS to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of its efforts, allocate resources, or make informed risk
management decisions.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has serious concerns with the direction FPS is headed and has been heading these past few years. Local 918 calls on Secretary Napolitano and
Under Secretary Beers to take immediate and decisive action to address the challenges of the Federal Protective Service. These issues remain ongoing since the
Federal Protective service transitioned into the Department of Homeland Security and have negatively impacted the mission and morale of the agency. Among the most
serious issues is the lack of adequate uniformed law enforcement officers to accomplish the mission. FPS Inspectors and Police Officers are stretched thin, overworked
and morale is at an all-time low. Secretary Napolitano and Under Secretary Beers need to closely examine not only management practices but management personnel.
An evaluation is necessary to ensure FPS has effective, experienced and knowledgeable leadership that possesses the ability and initiative to address the many
challenges of this federal law enforcement agency.
Like the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies with a protection mission, it is essential that FPS have experienced and
skilled law enforcement executives in key leadership positions throughout FPS. Current leadership has been facing difficulties taking the necessary actions to address
the challenges facing FPS despited repeated recommendations from the Homeland Security Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office. The Obama
Administration must ensure that not only are the challenges addressed but that FPS has the appropriate leadership in place to accomplish the mission and transform
FPS for the 21st Century.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has serious concerns and reservations that the current leadership possesses the skills, abilities and initiative to address the challenges of the
Federal Protective Service. The confidence of our membership in FPS leadership is waning and this is having a major negative impact on employee morale. Senior FPS
leadership has lost touch with the activities in the field and has unrealistic visions and expectations for the current state and future of FPS. Changes are necessary.
to Key Practices Would Improve the Federal Protective Service’s Approach to Facility Protection"
The GAO found that FPS's approach to securing GSA buildings reflects some aspects of key protection practices; however, GAO found limitations in each area and
identified vulnerabilities. More specifically: (1) FPS faces obstacles in allocating resources using risk management. FPS uses an outdated risk assessment tool and a
subjective, time-consuming process to assess risk. In addition, resource allocation decisions are the responsibility of GSA and tenant agencies. This leads to uncertainty
about whether risks are being mitigated. Also, FPS continues to struggle with funding challenges that impede its ability to allocate resources effectively. (2) FPS does not
have a strategic human capital management plan to guide its current and future workforce planning efforts, making it difficult to discern how effective its transition to an
inspector-based workforce will be. Furthermore, because contract guards were not properly trained and did not comply with post orders, GAO investigators concealing
components for an improvised explosive device passed undetected by FPS guards at 10 of 10 high-security facilities in four major cities. (3) FPS lacks a systematic
approach for leveraging technology, and inspectors do not provide tenant agencies with an analysis of alternative technologies, their cost, and the associated reduction
in risk. As a result, there is limited assurance that the recommendations inspectors make are the best available alternatives, and tenant agencies must make resource
allocation decisions without key information. (4) FPS has developed information sharing and coordination mechanisms with GSA and tenant agencies, but there is
inconsistency in the type of information shared and the frequency of coordination. (5) FPS lacks a reliable data management system for accurately tracking performance
measurement and testing. Without such a system, it is difficult for FPS to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of its efforts, allocate resources, or make informed risk
management decisions.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has serious concerns with the direction FPS is headed and has been heading these past few years. Local 918 calls on Secretary Napolitano and
Under Secretary Beers to take immediate and decisive action to address the challenges of the Federal Protective Service. These issues remain ongoing since the
Federal Protective service transitioned into the Department of Homeland Security and have negatively impacted the mission and morale of the agency. Among the most
serious issues is the lack of adequate uniformed law enforcement officers to accomplish the mission. FPS Inspectors and Police Officers are stretched thin, overworked
and morale is at an all-time low. Secretary Napolitano and Under Secretary Beers need to closely examine not only management practices but management personnel.
An evaluation is necessary to ensure FPS has effective, experienced and knowledgeable leadership that possesses the ability and initiative to address the many
challenges of this federal law enforcement agency.
Like the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies with a protection mission, it is essential that FPS have experienced and
skilled law enforcement executives in key leadership positions throughout FPS. Current leadership has been facing difficulties taking the necessary actions to address
the challenges facing FPS despited repeated recommendations from the Homeland Security Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office. The Obama
Administration must ensure that not only are the challenges addressed but that FPS has the appropriate leadership in place to accomplish the mission and transform
FPS for the 21st Century.
AFGE Local 918-FPS has serious concerns and reservations that the current leadership possesses the skills, abilities and initiative to address the challenges of the
Federal Protective Service. The confidence of our membership in FPS leadership is waning and this is having a major negative impact on employee morale. Senior FPS
leadership has lost touch with the activities in the field and has unrealistic visions and expectations for the current state and future of FPS. Changes are necessary.
November 15, 2009
| House Homeland Security Committee to Hold Hearing on FPS AFGE Local 918 President to testify, urge immediate hiring initiative |
On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, AFGE Local 918 President David Wright will testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. The
subject of the hearing of the full committee will be “Federal Protective Service: Will Continuing Challenges Weaken Transition and Impede Progress?”. This hearing will
examine continuing challenges faced by the Federal Protective Service (FPS), key practices which FPS could employ to improve performance, and the impact that the
organizational transfer of FPS from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) will have on FPS’
governance, function and accountability.
The hearing comes at a critical time for FPS and as the Obama Administration announces that the 9/11 terror suspects would be tried in Federal Court in New York City.
FPS is responsible for protecting federal facilities throughout the country to include working closely with the U.S. Marshal Service for the protection of U.S. Court Houses.
As recently reported by AFGE Local 918, the resources of the Federal Protective Service are severely strained in New York City and other major metropolitan areas
throughout the country. The terrorist trial will further strain FPS resources nationwide unless a major increase in FPS law enforcement officers is accomplished over the
next year.
In 1993, FPS significantly increased the number of FPS Police Officers in New York City in response to the terrorist trials of those responsible for the 1993 World Trade
Center attacks. Those FPS Police Officers were removed from service at the end of the trials and the loss of FPS personnel through normal attrition over the years since
has significantly reduced the number of FPS law enforcement personnel in New York City. AFGE has repeatedly warned the Department of Homeland Security, FPS and
Congress of the critical staffing shortages that are placing federal facilities and persons who work and visit these facilities at increased risk of crime and terror attack.
Urgent action is needed especially in light of the upcoming terror trials which will further increase the risk.
AFGE Local 918 President David Wright will urge Congress to provide the Federal Protective Service with emergency supplemental appropriations that will allow FPS to
significantly increase the number of FPS Inspectors, Police Officers and Special Agents in New York City and other areas throughout FPS as well as a significant increase
in Explosive Detection Dog Teams for major metropolitan areas, especially in New York City. Presently, FPS has a severe shortage of Explosive Detection Dog Teams
available in the New York City area.
In addition to AFGE Local 918 President David Wright, NPPD Under Secretary Rand Beers, FPS Director Gary Schenkel and General Services Administration, Public
Buildings Service Commissioner Robert Peck are scheduled to testify. There will be a live webcast of the hearing at 10AM on Wednesday. For additional details, visit the
House Homeland Security Committee website at homeland.house.gov.
subject of the hearing of the full committee will be “Federal Protective Service: Will Continuing Challenges Weaken Transition and Impede Progress?”. This hearing will
examine continuing challenges faced by the Federal Protective Service (FPS), key practices which FPS could employ to improve performance, and the impact that the
organizational transfer of FPS from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) will have on FPS’
governance, function and accountability.
The hearing comes at a critical time for FPS and as the Obama Administration announces that the 9/11 terror suspects would be tried in Federal Court in New York City.
FPS is responsible for protecting federal facilities throughout the country to include working closely with the U.S. Marshal Service for the protection of U.S. Court Houses.
As recently reported by AFGE Local 918, the resources of the Federal Protective Service are severely strained in New York City and other major metropolitan areas
throughout the country. The terrorist trial will further strain FPS resources nationwide unless a major increase in FPS law enforcement officers is accomplished over the
next year.
In 1993, FPS significantly increased the number of FPS Police Officers in New York City in response to the terrorist trials of those responsible for the 1993 World Trade
Center attacks. Those FPS Police Officers were removed from service at the end of the trials and the loss of FPS personnel through normal attrition over the years since
has significantly reduced the number of FPS law enforcement personnel in New York City. AFGE has repeatedly warned the Department of Homeland Security, FPS and
Congress of the critical staffing shortages that are placing federal facilities and persons who work and visit these facilities at increased risk of crime and terror attack.
Urgent action is needed especially in light of the upcoming terror trials which will further increase the risk.
AFGE Local 918 President David Wright will urge Congress to provide the Federal Protective Service with emergency supplemental appropriations that will allow FPS to
significantly increase the number of FPS Inspectors, Police Officers and Special Agents in New York City and other areas throughout FPS as well as a significant increase
in Explosive Detection Dog Teams for major metropolitan areas, especially in New York City. Presently, FPS has a severe shortage of Explosive Detection Dog Teams
available in the New York City area.
In addition to AFGE Local 918 President David Wright, NPPD Under Secretary Rand Beers, FPS Director Gary Schenkel and General Services Administration, Public
Buildings Service Commissioner Robert Peck are scheduled to testify. There will be a live webcast of the hearing at 10AM on Wednesday. For additional details, visit the
House Homeland Security Committee website at homeland.house.gov.
November 18, 2009
| FULL FUNDING AT FPS MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY, SAYS AFGE FPS union president testifies before the House Homeland Security Committee |
(WASHINGTON)- Declaring that the Federal Protective Service is an “agency in crisis”, the president of the FPS union of the American Federation of Government
Employees made an impassioned appeal for additional resources and manpower to enable the agency to carry out its critical mission.
“The Federal Protective Service faces daunting challenges and its officers and inspectors have been shocked and dismayed by the recent GAO reports and
vulnerabilities that still exist” said David Wright at a hearing on FPS reform before the House Homeland Security Committee today. Stating that FPS “still has significantly
less boots on the ground when it joined DHS”, Wright asKed the Committee for its support of additional resources and assistance in making sure those funds maKe it to
the agency.
“We need your help to maKe sure the embedded, intransigent and unaccountable bureaucrats at OMB cooperate to provide the minimum resources necessary to
accomplish our mission” he said.
In addition, Wright told the Committee that FPS reform legislation must include the in-sourcing of private security guards at the highest security buildings protected by
FPS.
“In 2001, there were 5,000 contract guards and FPS was authorized more than 1,450 total personnel. By 2009, there were 15,000 contract guards, but FPS was
authorized only 1,225 total personnel. A three-fold increase in guards coupled with a 16 percent cut in FPS staff was a recipe for failure” Wright said.
Wright added that “the state of the FPS right now is little different from that of the airline industry security prior to 9/11. When America demanded professional security at
airports, Congress and the administration responded by hiring some 40,000 federal officers to staff the Transportation Security Administration. It is long past time to do
the same thing at FPS.”
Wright also expressed concern about security at the upcoming terrorism trials to be held in New York City. “The Khalid SheiKh Muhammad trial at the New York federal
courthouse presents a security risk that FPS is ill-equipped to handle without leaving other secure buildings in the country unprotected.”
Read AFGE Local 918 President David Wright's full statement to the House Homeland Security Committee by clicking here.
Watch a recording of the hearing and read statements of other witnesses on the House Homeland Security Committee website by clicking here.
Employees made an impassioned appeal for additional resources and manpower to enable the agency to carry out its critical mission.
“The Federal Protective Service faces daunting challenges and its officers and inspectors have been shocked and dismayed by the recent GAO reports and
vulnerabilities that still exist” said David Wright at a hearing on FPS reform before the House Homeland Security Committee today. Stating that FPS “still has significantly
less boots on the ground when it joined DHS”, Wright asKed the Committee for its support of additional resources and assistance in making sure those funds maKe it to
the agency.
“We need your help to maKe sure the embedded, intransigent and unaccountable bureaucrats at OMB cooperate to provide the minimum resources necessary to
accomplish our mission” he said.
In addition, Wright told the Committee that FPS reform legislation must include the in-sourcing of private security guards at the highest security buildings protected by
FPS.
“In 2001, there were 5,000 contract guards and FPS was authorized more than 1,450 total personnel. By 2009, there were 15,000 contract guards, but FPS was
authorized only 1,225 total personnel. A three-fold increase in guards coupled with a 16 percent cut in FPS staff was a recipe for failure” Wright said.
Wright added that “the state of the FPS right now is little different from that of the airline industry security prior to 9/11. When America demanded professional security at
airports, Congress and the administration responded by hiring some 40,000 federal officers to staff the Transportation Security Administration. It is long past time to do
the same thing at FPS.”
Wright also expressed concern about security at the upcoming terrorism trials to be held in New York City. “The Khalid SheiKh Muhammad trial at the New York federal
courthouse presents a security risk that FPS is ill-equipped to handle without leaving other secure buildings in the country unprotected.”
Read AFGE Local 918 President David Wright's full statement to the House Homeland Security Committee by clicking here.
Watch a recording of the hearing and read statements of other witnesses on the House Homeland Security Committee website by clicking here.