March 16, 2010
New standards for federal building security coming
March 16, 2010
Lawmakers: Facilities shouldn't set their own security
standards
March 16, 2010
'Borrowed time' for federal building security?
November 18, 2009
GovExec: GAO: Security Agency is making progress, but still
falling short
November 18, 2009
WP: More evidence the watchers need watching
November 17, 2009
House panel revisits security problems with Federal
Protective Service
October 29, 2009
Federal Protective Service moves out of immigration bureau
July 9, 2009
Washington Post: Federal Protective Service Faulted After
GAO Sting With Bomb Parts
July 8, 2009
GovExec: Protective service blasted for security gaps at
federal buildings
July 8, 2009
Washington Post: Security Flaws Found at Federal Buildings
WP: Report: Probe found weaknesses in federal security
July 8, 2009
CNN: Director takes blame over lax security at federal
buildings
CNN: Testers smuggle bomb parts into buildings; official
takes blame
July 6, 2009
GovExec: Watchdog agency to preview findings on Federal
Protective Service
December 1, 2008
DebbieSchlussel.com: Department of Theresa Bertucci's
Brother's Funeral Security
November 26, 2008
GovExec: Federal Buildings Go Unwatched
GovExec: FPS Director Touts New Vision For Security
November 24, 2008
DebbleSchlussel.com: Fed Agents Guard G.E.D. Bureaucrat's
Bro's Funeral
November 17, 2008
Chicago: Obama Security a Force in the Loop
FPS protects President-Elect Obama' Chicago Office
November 9, 2008
ThreatsWatch.org: Questioning the Vulnerability of Federal
Buildings
November 5, 2008
Federal Times: Controversial ICE Chief Julie Myers to Leave
Nov. 15
August 25, 2008
Convention host cities become high-tech fortresses
FPS provides specialized security and law enforcement
support to Conventions
August 12, 2008
NY Daily News: Fiends Armed with Badge of Shame
FPS Region 2 shuts down fraudulent police badge issuing
bounty hunter school
July 31, 2008
GovExec: Panel OKs ban on contracts with felon-owned
building security firms
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee Wednesday approved a bill to prohibit the Federal
Protective Service from contracting with any business
owned or operated by a felon.
July 2, 2008
NY Post: 'bogus badge' Bounty Hunters Busted
FPS Special Agents, NYPD bust fake badge ring
July 1, 2008
NY Daily News: Feds: Two gave out fake badges
U.S. Attorney, EDNY Press Release: Two Men Arrested for
Allegedly Distributing Hundreds of Fraudulent Law
Enforcement Badges and Credentials
NY Daily News: Former NYPD Detective arrested for giving
out fake police badges
June 25, 2008
FPS Local President Interviewed on Flailing Agency
AFGE Federal Protective Service Local 918 President David
Wright was interviewed on Washington, D.C.'s News
Channel 8 "Federal News Today" on June 18. Wright had just
come from testifying before the House on a new GAO report
that describes FPS as a critical homeland security agency in
a shambles, and talked to "Federal News Today" host
Beverly Kirk about understaffing and underfunding at the
agency.
June 20, 2008
HSToday: Congress Inspects Federal Protective Service
Lawmakers question staffing, funds and placement within
DHS.
FCW: Employee Shortages Hit Federal Protective Service
June 18, 2008
FPS UNION: AGENCY IS SINKING FAST
AFGE Local President Urges Congress to Intervene
Senators React to GAO Report Revealing Vulnerabilities in
Federal Building Security
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Press Release:
Norton Sees Risk to Federal Employees and Facilities if
Congress Fails to Act on FPS Decline this Session
Shift of Federal Protective Service to DHS called 'lethal'
Government Executive reports on House Committee hearing
on GAO report.
GAO says federal buildings increasingly vulnerable to dangers
Federal TImes reports on House Committee Hearing on GAO
report.
Washington Post: Security Provider Cuts Patrols
Federal Protective service Faces Financial Problems
June 17, 2008
GAO Report to Congress: The Federal Protective Service
Faces Several Challenges That Hamper Its Ability to Protect
Federal Facilities
Study documents dangerous security gaps at Federal
buildings
Government Executive Reports on recently released GAO
report
June 11, 2008
FPS Lacks Funding and Staff to Patrol Kansas City Complex
Federal TImes reports on budgetary problems affecting FPS.
May 5, 2008
Explosion Damages Federal Courthouse (San Diego, CA)
Federal Courthouse Hit By Pipe Bomb (San Diego, CA)
May 2, 2008
Federal News Radio: an inside look at the critically low
staffing levels at three federal agencies: FPS, SSA and BOP.
David Wright, president of AFGE Local 918-FPS featured.
April 09, 2008
Report criticizes immigration chief for Halloween party
House Democrats: ICE chief tried to hide role in
controversial Halloween party
March 14, 2008
Lawmaker: U.S. Security Agency Faltering
Congresswoman compares agency to FEMA, blames
Homeland Security
Homeland Insecurity: Federal buildings at risk
CNN has learned dramatic details about how federal
buildings are at risk due to cutbacks. CNN's Jeanne Meserve
reports on Lou Dobb's Tonight.
March 14, 2008
Congressman Demanding Change After ABC15 Investigation
“We must never take for granted the security of the
thousands of government installations across the country,
nor the safety of the countless employees who go to work
everyday for the American people.”
March 5, 2008
Government Buildings to Get Added Protection
FPS to add additional officers
February 18, 2008
Cuts Hobble Federal Protective Service
Federal Times reports on the GAO's preliminary findings.
Local 918 President provides comment and insight into the
major issues.
February 15, 2008
ABC 15 Uncovers Serious Gaps in Homeland Security
Security surveys not being completed as required, millions
of dollars wasted, "any major city is at risk"-David Wright,
AFGE Local 918 President.
February 12, 2008
GAO Report Criticizes Federal Police Force
February 11, 2008
Federal Protective Service Woes Could Threaten Building
Security
FPS budget shortfalls and shrinking workforce could
threaten the physical security of government buildings,
according to preliminary findings from the Government
Accountability Office.
Graves questions safety of federal buildings
MO Rep. Sam Graves raises questions about the safety of
federal buildings in Kansas City and across the country.
February 9, 2008
Report Criticizes Federal Police Force
The police force in charge of protecting most federal
buildings is understaffed, demoralized and poorly equipped,
exposing facilities ..."to a greater risk of crime or terrorist
attack," according to a report issued yesterday.
February 8, 2008
Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on GAO
Investigation of the Federal Protective Service
December 21, 2007
AFGE APPLAUDS CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON BEHALF OF
FEDERAL WORKERS
2008 Budget Includes 3.5 percent Pay Raise, Restores FPS,
Defunds Max HR
December 20, 2007
CLINTON, BISHOP CALL FOR INCREASED PLUM ISLAND
SECURITY FOLLOWING NEW GAO REPORT
"...recommendations regarding pathogen theft and response
capabilities at Plum Island still remain to be carried out"
December 19, 2007
Sen. Clinton Announces Senate Approval of Her Measure to
Stop Downsizing of the Federal Protective Service
Bipartisan Measure Included in FY 2008 Omnibus
Appropriations Bill
July 27, 2007
FPS UNION APPLAUDS SENATE FOR INCLUDING IN DHS
APPROPRIATIONS BILL LANGUAGE HALTING AGENCY
DOWNSIZING
AFGE Thanks Sen. Clinton for Advocacy on Behalf of FPS
Employees
June 6, 2007
DOWNSIZING INITIATIVE PLACES NEW YORK FEDERAL
BUILDINGS AT RISK
Elimination of federal police officers results in reduced law
enforcement patrol and response, says AFGE
May 11, 2007
Federal News Radio: President Dave Wright discusses
agency plans to downsize FPS. (audio)
May 10, 2007
AFGE COUNCIL, LOCAL PRESIDENTS ON "INSIDE
GOVERNMENT"
May 1, 2007
Oral Statement of David L. Wright, President, AFGE Local 918,
on Homeland Security Hearing: “The Direction and Viability of
the Federal Protective Service”
May 1, 2007
REJECT FPS DOWNSIZING INITIATIVE, AFGE TELLS CONGRESS
Agency must remain intact and fully-staffed
April 30, 2007
UNION LEADER TO TESTIFY AT HEARING ON FEDERAL
PROTECTIVE SERVICE
Agency must remain intact and fully-staffed, says AFGE
April 25, 2007
Testimony of David L. Wright, President, AFGE Local 918, on
Transportation and Infrastructure Hearing: “Downsizing the
Federal Protective Service and its Effect on the Protection of
Federal Buildings”
April 20, 2007
House Panel Questions Plan to Trim Federal Guards
April 17, 2007
UNION LEADER TO TESTIFY AT HEARING ON FEDERAL
PROTECTIVE SERVICE
Downsizing an imperative agency is a recipe for disaster,
says AFGE
April 3, 2007
Federal News Radio: USDA, FPS and the new "The Politico"
(audio)
AFGE Local 918 President David Wright updates listeners on
the issues facing the Federal Protective Service.
February 6, 2007
BUSH PROPOSAL LEAVES NATION VULNERABLE, SAYS AFGE
Bush Proposal/FPS Plan to Eliminate Uniformed Security
Jobs Leaves Federal Buildings and the Nation Vulnerable,
says AFGE
December 15, 2006
FPS RETENTION PAY CUTS WILL HAMPER SECURITY
EFFORTS, LESSEN MORALE AFGE SAYS
DHS union says money saved only a drop in the bucket
compared to overall shortfall
December 11, 2006
DHS Agency Urged to Continue Retention Bonus Program
December 8, 2006
Immigration and Federal Protective Service on Inside
Government
Pres. David Wright discusses a number of issues to include
the planned discontinuation of retention pay for FPS law
enforcement officers.
December 8, 2006
Fed Police Cash Strapped And Demoralized
December 6, 2006
FPS SURE TO LOSE OFFICERS AFTER CUTTING RETENTION
PAY, AFGE SAYS
Benefit of keeping bonuses far outweighs cost, union says
New standards for federal building security coming
March 16, 2010
Lawmakers: Facilities shouldn't set their own security
standards
March 16, 2010
'Borrowed time' for federal building security?
November 18, 2009
GovExec: GAO: Security Agency is making progress, but still
falling short
November 18, 2009
WP: More evidence the watchers need watching
November 17, 2009
House panel revisits security problems with Federal
Protective Service
October 29, 2009
Federal Protective Service moves out of immigration bureau
July 9, 2009
Washington Post: Federal Protective Service Faulted After
GAO Sting With Bomb Parts
July 8, 2009
GovExec: Protective service blasted for security gaps at
federal buildings
July 8, 2009
Washington Post: Security Flaws Found at Federal Buildings
WP: Report: Probe found weaknesses in federal security
July 8, 2009
CNN: Director takes blame over lax security at federal
buildings
CNN: Testers smuggle bomb parts into buildings; official
takes blame
July 6, 2009
GovExec: Watchdog agency to preview findings on Federal
Protective Service
December 1, 2008
DebbieSchlussel.com: Department of Theresa Bertucci's
Brother's Funeral Security
November 26, 2008
GovExec: Federal Buildings Go Unwatched
GovExec: FPS Director Touts New Vision For Security
November 24, 2008
DebbleSchlussel.com: Fed Agents Guard G.E.D. Bureaucrat's
Bro's Funeral
November 17, 2008
Chicago: Obama Security a Force in the Loop
FPS protects President-Elect Obama' Chicago Office
November 9, 2008
ThreatsWatch.org: Questioning the Vulnerability of Federal
Buildings
November 5, 2008
Federal Times: Controversial ICE Chief Julie Myers to Leave
Nov. 15
August 25, 2008
Convention host cities become high-tech fortresses
FPS provides specialized security and law enforcement
support to Conventions
August 12, 2008
NY Daily News: Fiends Armed with Badge of Shame
FPS Region 2 shuts down fraudulent police badge issuing
bounty hunter school
July 31, 2008
GovExec: Panel OKs ban on contracts with felon-owned
building security firms
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee Wednesday approved a bill to prohibit the Federal
Protective Service from contracting with any business
owned or operated by a felon.
July 2, 2008
NY Post: 'bogus badge' Bounty Hunters Busted
FPS Special Agents, NYPD bust fake badge ring
July 1, 2008
NY Daily News: Feds: Two gave out fake badges
U.S. Attorney, EDNY Press Release: Two Men Arrested for
Allegedly Distributing Hundreds of Fraudulent Law
Enforcement Badges and Credentials
NY Daily News: Former NYPD Detective arrested for giving
out fake police badges
June 25, 2008
FPS Local President Interviewed on Flailing Agency
AFGE Federal Protective Service Local 918 President David
Wright was interviewed on Washington, D.C.'s News
Channel 8 "Federal News Today" on June 18. Wright had just
come from testifying before the House on a new GAO report
that describes FPS as a critical homeland security agency in
a shambles, and talked to "Federal News Today" host
Beverly Kirk about understaffing and underfunding at the
agency.
June 20, 2008
HSToday: Congress Inspects Federal Protective Service
Lawmakers question staffing, funds and placement within
DHS.
FCW: Employee Shortages Hit Federal Protective Service
June 18, 2008
FPS UNION: AGENCY IS SINKING FAST
AFGE Local President Urges Congress to Intervene
Senators React to GAO Report Revealing Vulnerabilities in
Federal Building Security
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Press Release:
Norton Sees Risk to Federal Employees and Facilities if
Congress Fails to Act on FPS Decline this Session
Shift of Federal Protective Service to DHS called 'lethal'
Government Executive reports on House Committee hearing
on GAO report.
GAO says federal buildings increasingly vulnerable to dangers
Federal TImes reports on House Committee Hearing on GAO
report.
Washington Post: Security Provider Cuts Patrols
Federal Protective service Faces Financial Problems
June 17, 2008
GAO Report to Congress: The Federal Protective Service
Faces Several Challenges That Hamper Its Ability to Protect
Federal Facilities
Study documents dangerous security gaps at Federal
buildings
Government Executive Reports on recently released GAO
report
June 11, 2008
FPS Lacks Funding and Staff to Patrol Kansas City Complex
Federal TImes reports on budgetary problems affecting FPS.
May 5, 2008
Explosion Damages Federal Courthouse (San Diego, CA)
Federal Courthouse Hit By Pipe Bomb (San Diego, CA)
May 2, 2008
Federal News Radio: an inside look at the critically low
staffing levels at three federal agencies: FPS, SSA and BOP.
David Wright, president of AFGE Local 918-FPS featured.
April 09, 2008
Report criticizes immigration chief for Halloween party
House Democrats: ICE chief tried to hide role in
controversial Halloween party
March 14, 2008
Lawmaker: U.S. Security Agency Faltering
Congresswoman compares agency to FEMA, blames
Homeland Security
Homeland Insecurity: Federal buildings at risk
CNN has learned dramatic details about how federal
buildings are at risk due to cutbacks. CNN's Jeanne Meserve
reports on Lou Dobb's Tonight.
March 14, 2008
Congressman Demanding Change After ABC15 Investigation
“We must never take for granted the security of the
thousands of government installations across the country,
nor the safety of the countless employees who go to work
everyday for the American people.”
March 5, 2008
Government Buildings to Get Added Protection
FPS to add additional officers
February 18, 2008
Cuts Hobble Federal Protective Service
Federal Times reports on the GAO's preliminary findings.
Local 918 President provides comment and insight into the
major issues.
February 15, 2008
ABC 15 Uncovers Serious Gaps in Homeland Security
Security surveys not being completed as required, millions
of dollars wasted, "any major city is at risk"-David Wright,
AFGE Local 918 President.
February 12, 2008
GAO Report Criticizes Federal Police Force
February 11, 2008
Federal Protective Service Woes Could Threaten Building
Security
FPS budget shortfalls and shrinking workforce could
threaten the physical security of government buildings,
according to preliminary findings from the Government
Accountability Office.
Graves questions safety of federal buildings
MO Rep. Sam Graves raises questions about the safety of
federal buildings in Kansas City and across the country.
February 9, 2008
Report Criticizes Federal Police Force
The police force in charge of protecting most federal
buildings is understaffed, demoralized and poorly equipped,
exposing facilities ..."to a greater risk of crime or terrorist
attack," according to a report issued yesterday.
February 8, 2008
Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on GAO
Investigation of the Federal Protective Service
December 21, 2007
AFGE APPLAUDS CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON BEHALF OF
FEDERAL WORKERS
2008 Budget Includes 3.5 percent Pay Raise, Restores FPS,
Defunds Max HR
December 20, 2007
CLINTON, BISHOP CALL FOR INCREASED PLUM ISLAND
SECURITY FOLLOWING NEW GAO REPORT
"...recommendations regarding pathogen theft and response
capabilities at Plum Island still remain to be carried out"
December 19, 2007
Sen. Clinton Announces Senate Approval of Her Measure to
Stop Downsizing of the Federal Protective Service
Bipartisan Measure Included in FY 2008 Omnibus
Appropriations Bill
July 27, 2007
FPS UNION APPLAUDS SENATE FOR INCLUDING IN DHS
APPROPRIATIONS BILL LANGUAGE HALTING AGENCY
DOWNSIZING
AFGE Thanks Sen. Clinton for Advocacy on Behalf of FPS
Employees
June 6, 2007
DOWNSIZING INITIATIVE PLACES NEW YORK FEDERAL
BUILDINGS AT RISK
Elimination of federal police officers results in reduced law
enforcement patrol and response, says AFGE
May 11, 2007
Federal News Radio: President Dave Wright discusses
agency plans to downsize FPS. (audio)
May 10, 2007
AFGE COUNCIL, LOCAL PRESIDENTS ON "INSIDE
GOVERNMENT"
May 1, 2007
Oral Statement of David L. Wright, President, AFGE Local 918,
on Homeland Security Hearing: “The Direction and Viability of
the Federal Protective Service”
May 1, 2007
REJECT FPS DOWNSIZING INITIATIVE, AFGE TELLS CONGRESS
Agency must remain intact and fully-staffed
April 30, 2007
UNION LEADER TO TESTIFY AT HEARING ON FEDERAL
PROTECTIVE SERVICE
Agency must remain intact and fully-staffed, says AFGE
April 25, 2007
Testimony of David L. Wright, President, AFGE Local 918, on
Transportation and Infrastructure Hearing: “Downsizing the
Federal Protective Service and its Effect on the Protection of
Federal Buildings”
April 20, 2007
House Panel Questions Plan to Trim Federal Guards
April 17, 2007
UNION LEADER TO TESTIFY AT HEARING ON FEDERAL
PROTECTIVE SERVICE
Downsizing an imperative agency is a recipe for disaster,
says AFGE
April 3, 2007
Federal News Radio: USDA, FPS and the new "The Politico"
(audio)
AFGE Local 918 President David Wright updates listeners on
the issues facing the Federal Protective Service.
February 6, 2007
BUSH PROPOSAL LEAVES NATION VULNERABLE, SAYS AFGE
Bush Proposal/FPS Plan to Eliminate Uniformed Security
Jobs Leaves Federal Buildings and the Nation Vulnerable,
says AFGE
December 15, 2006
FPS RETENTION PAY CUTS WILL HAMPER SECURITY
EFFORTS, LESSEN MORALE AFGE SAYS
DHS union says money saved only a drop in the bucket
compared to overall shortfall
December 11, 2006
DHS Agency Urged to Continue Retention Bonus Program
December 8, 2006
Immigration and Federal Protective Service on Inside
Government
Pres. David Wright discusses a number of issues to include
the planned discontinuation of retention pay for FPS law
enforcement officers.
December 8, 2006
Fed Police Cash Strapped And Demoralized
December 6, 2006
FPS SURE TO LOSE OFFICERS AFTER CUTTING RETENTION
PAY, AFGE SAYS
Benefit of keeping bonuses far outweighs cost, union says
AFGE Local 918 welcomes inquires from television and print
news media organizations and reporters.
Please direct all press inquiries to:
David Wright, President
Tel: (816) 291-0984
Fax: (816) 629-4462
e-mail: david.wright@afgelocal918.org
news media organizations and reporters.
Please direct all press inquiries to:
David Wright, President
Tel: (816) 291-0984
Fax: (816) 629-4462
e-mail: david.wright@afgelocal918.org
| NEWS & PRESS RELEASES |
| MEDIA/PRESS INQUIRIES |
| LATEST NEWS |
February 26, 2008
Press Release: From David Wright, President AFGE Local 918:
AFGE Local 918 is pleased the Bush Administration is
complying with the law enacted by Congress last year requiring
the Department of Homeland Security to provide 900 law
enforcement personnel at the Federal Protective Service. But
we are disappointed that the Department continues to believe
all of these personnel should be "Inspectors" rather than
"Police Officers". AFGE Local 918 believes that Police Officers
are the first line of defense against terrorist and criminal attacks
at Federal properties throughout the nation. Evidently the
Department does not share that belief. I anticipate that when
the Government Accounting Office report comes out in May, it
will offer a more rational view of the future mission and direction
of the Federal Protective Service.
Press Release: From David Wright, President AFGE Local 918:
AFGE Local 918 is pleased the Bush Administration is
complying with the law enacted by Congress last year requiring
the Department of Homeland Security to provide 900 law
enforcement personnel at the Federal Protective Service. But
we are disappointed that the Department continues to believe
all of these personnel should be "Inspectors" rather than
"Police Officers". AFGE Local 918 believes that Police Officers
are the first line of defense against terrorist and criminal attacks
at Federal properties throughout the nation. Evidently the
Department does not share that belief. I anticipate that when
the Government Accounting Office report comes out in May, it
will offer a more rational view of the future mission and direction
of the Federal Protective Service.
| Also check out AFGE National's FPS website for more news, information and AFGE action. |
June 19, 2008
The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight of
Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the
District of Columbia held a hearing on this date on:
Management Challenges Facing the Federal
Protective Service: What is at Risk?
View the statement of Senator Daniel K. Akaka
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Mark Goldstein, GAO Director
of Physical Security Issues
View the Written Testimony of David Wright, President, AFGE
Local 918-FPS
June 18, 2008
The House of Representatives, Transportation & Infrastructure
Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public
Buildings and Emergency Management held a Hearing on this
date on: The Federal Protective Service: An
Agency in Need of Rebuilding
Watch a recording of the hearing.
Read additional information about the hearing
View the Opening Statement of Chairman James L. Oberstar
View the Opening Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor
Holmes Norton
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Mark Goldstein, GAO Director
of Physical Security Issues
View the Written Testimony of David Wright, President, AFGE
Local 918-FPS
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Gary Schenkel, Director,
Federal Protective Service
April 29, 2008
Senator Clinton Calls for Increased Presence of
Federal Protective Service at Federal Buildings
in the New York City Area
While Threat Levels Remain High, the Number of
Officers Protecting Federal Buildings Has Dropped
Agency Responsible for Protecting Federal Buildings
Throughout New York, Including the D'Amato Courthouse and
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, Has Suffered Severe Staffing
Cuts
Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called
on the Administration to address the drastic cuts that have been
made to the Federal Protective Service (FPS), which protects
Federal Buildings in New York City, Long Island, and
throughout the country. The Administration has been pushing a
proposal to eliminate and reassign hundreds of FPS personnel.
“The number of FPS officers protecting our critical federal
buildings should be going up, not down. FPS officers are being
stretched thin by the actions by the Bush Administration. The
New York City area remains one of highest risk places in the
nation. It simply doesn’t make sense that, when we are still at
risk, we are cutting staff at the only agency primarily responsible
for keeping our federal buildings safe,” Senator Clinton said.
According to the American Federation of Government
Employees (AFGE) the Metro New York District (including New
York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties) has suffered
significant personnel losses in recent years. In 2003, the Metro
New York District had 34 Police Officers and Supervisors.
Currently, Metro NY District has 4 Police Officers and 2
Sergeants. In addition, one Captain remains in service but is
dedicated almost entirely to administrative duties, and another
Sergeant administers the firearms range. In 2003, Metro NY
District had 33 non-supervisory uniformed law enforcement
personnel, of which 23 were Police Officers. Currently, Metro NY
District has 18 non-supervisory uniformed law enforcement
personnel which is nearly half the number in 2003. Of these 18,
only 4 are Police Officers. A recent Government Accountability
Office (GAO) report found that the cuts have not only led to
demoralization within the FPS but the potential to expose
federal facilities to a greater risk of attack.
In December of last year, Senator Clinton successfully included
a bi-partisan amendment to the FY2008 Omnibus
Appropriations bill to stop the Department of Homeland Security’
s plan to downsize the Federal Protective Service from moving
forward. Senator Clinton’s amendment also requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to restore the number of full
time FPS staff to a minimum of 1,200 and 900 full time Police
Officers, Inspectors, Area Commanders and Special Agents
who will be directly engaged on a daily basis protecting and
enforcing laws at Federal Buildings.
“We have been sounding the alarm about the reductions in FPS
personnel for some time and yet the cuts continue,” Senator
Clinton said. “While Congress managed to put a stop to the
Administration’s plans to downsize the FPS, we have heard
nothing about how they plan to build the agency up to where it
was in 2003.”
FPS Union President David Wright stated that the Bush
Administration has waged war on the Federal Protective Service
ever since its integration into the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) in March 2003. "FPS is an integral part of the
nation’s homeland security safety net. The failure of the
Administration embrace the criticality of the FPS Mission is
inexcusable. Senator Clinton's efforts to remedy the problems
at the Congressional level are much appreciated by the rank
and file law enforcement officers of FPS," Wright said.
According to the General Services Administration, the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Protective
Service (FPS) provides law enforcement and security services
to over one million tenants and daily visitors to federally owned
and leased facilities nationwide. The Federal Protective Service
(FPS) protects federal buildings and the employees within them
through measures such as risk assessment, security and
surveillance support, and safety education. In addition, FPS
performs several roles such as keeping the public safe while in
a federal building.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight of
Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the
District of Columbia held a hearing on this date on:
Management Challenges Facing the Federal
Protective Service: What is at Risk?
View the statement of Senator Daniel K. Akaka
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Mark Goldstein, GAO Director
of Physical Security Issues
View the Written Testimony of David Wright, President, AFGE
Local 918-FPS
June 18, 2008
The House of Representatives, Transportation & Infrastructure
Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public
Buildings and Emergency Management held a Hearing on this
date on: The Federal Protective Service: An
Agency in Need of Rebuilding
Watch a recording of the hearing.
Read additional information about the hearing
View the Opening Statement of Chairman James L. Oberstar
View the Opening Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor
Holmes Norton
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Mark Goldstein, GAO Director
of Physical Security Issues
View the Written Testimony of David Wright, President, AFGE
Local 918-FPS
View the Written Testimony of Mr. Gary Schenkel, Director,
Federal Protective Service
April 29, 2008
Senator Clinton Calls for Increased Presence of
Federal Protective Service at Federal Buildings
in the New York City Area
While Threat Levels Remain High, the Number of
Officers Protecting Federal Buildings Has Dropped
Agency Responsible for Protecting Federal Buildings
Throughout New York, Including the D'Amato Courthouse and
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, Has Suffered Severe Staffing
Cuts
Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called
on the Administration to address the drastic cuts that have been
made to the Federal Protective Service (FPS), which protects
Federal Buildings in New York City, Long Island, and
throughout the country. The Administration has been pushing a
proposal to eliminate and reassign hundreds of FPS personnel.
“The number of FPS officers protecting our critical federal
buildings should be going up, not down. FPS officers are being
stretched thin by the actions by the Bush Administration. The
New York City area remains one of highest risk places in the
nation. It simply doesn’t make sense that, when we are still at
risk, we are cutting staff at the only agency primarily responsible
for keeping our federal buildings safe,” Senator Clinton said.
According to the American Federation of Government
Employees (AFGE) the Metro New York District (including New
York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties) has suffered
significant personnel losses in recent years. In 2003, the Metro
New York District had 34 Police Officers and Supervisors.
Currently, Metro NY District has 4 Police Officers and 2
Sergeants. In addition, one Captain remains in service but is
dedicated almost entirely to administrative duties, and another
Sergeant administers the firearms range. In 2003, Metro NY
District had 33 non-supervisory uniformed law enforcement
personnel, of which 23 were Police Officers. Currently, Metro NY
District has 18 non-supervisory uniformed law enforcement
personnel which is nearly half the number in 2003. Of these 18,
only 4 are Police Officers. A recent Government Accountability
Office (GAO) report found that the cuts have not only led to
demoralization within the FPS but the potential to expose
federal facilities to a greater risk of attack.
In December of last year, Senator Clinton successfully included
a bi-partisan amendment to the FY2008 Omnibus
Appropriations bill to stop the Department of Homeland Security’
s plan to downsize the Federal Protective Service from moving
forward. Senator Clinton’s amendment also requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to restore the number of full
time FPS staff to a minimum of 1,200 and 900 full time Police
Officers, Inspectors, Area Commanders and Special Agents
who will be directly engaged on a daily basis protecting and
enforcing laws at Federal Buildings.
“We have been sounding the alarm about the reductions in FPS
personnel for some time and yet the cuts continue,” Senator
Clinton said. “While Congress managed to put a stop to the
Administration’s plans to downsize the FPS, we have heard
nothing about how they plan to build the agency up to where it
was in 2003.”
FPS Union President David Wright stated that the Bush
Administration has waged war on the Federal Protective Service
ever since its integration into the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) in March 2003. "FPS is an integral part of the
nation’s homeland security safety net. The failure of the
Administration embrace the criticality of the FPS Mission is
inexcusable. Senator Clinton's efforts to remedy the problems
at the Congressional level are much appreciated by the rank
and file law enforcement officers of FPS," Wright said.
According to the General Services Administration, the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Protective
Service (FPS) provides law enforcement and security services
to over one million tenants and daily visitors to federally owned
and leased facilities nationwide. The Federal Protective Service
(FPS) protects federal buildings and the employees within them
through measures such as risk assessment, security and
surveillance support, and safety education. In addition, FPS
performs several roles such as keeping the public safe while in
a federal building.
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(WASHINGTON)—Calling the Federal Protective Service “a
Employees FPS Local 918 President David Wright today
Infrastructure Subcommittee on Public Buildings about a new
GAO report released today that describes a critical homeland
security agency in a shambles.
“I am shocked at the leadership failure by the [FPS],
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of
Management and Budget, which increased the risk of criminal
and terrorist attack on federal employees, facilities and
members of the public, by gutting the FPS in the FY08 budget to
roughly the same number of field staff that existed at the time of
the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995,” Wright told Committee
members.
“If one of our local unions had performed in such a manner with
respect to carrying out its mission and responsibilities, it would
have been put into trusteeship,” Wright added. “It is clear to us
that we need Congress to act as a trustee for the Federal
Protective Service.”
Wright urged the Committee to increase the number of
authorized personnel from its current level of 1200 by
approximately 400 for next year. AFGE opposes the effort by
ICE, which oversees FPS, to eliminate police officers and other
law enforcement personnel and create an all-inspector work
force. Wright calls the ICE effort “a mistake,” stating “while there
are more than 1,600 Capitol Police with a budget of $281
million to protect a 12-block radius including the Capitol and
congressional offices, in FY08, all of FPS is projected to have
just 1,200 personnel and approximately $238 million
nationwide. Furthermore, the Secret Service has more than
1,300 officers in its Uniformed Division to protect its assigned
facilities in Washington, D.C., and the Veterans Health
Administration has more than 2,500 police officers protecting
its 154 medical centers nationwide … All these agencies use
extensive proactive patrol by police officers to detect and deter
attack—the very critical activities GAO found missing in FPS.”
AFGE also urged the Committee to restore the 10 percent cut in
retention pay on employees and provide full law enforcement
retirement benefits for FPS law enforcement personnel not now
eligible. It also voiced strong objections to the FPS funding
formula, which relies entirely on the square footage
measurement of federal buildings to determine the fee paid to
FPS.
“ In today’s post- 9/11 world, it makes virtually no sense to rely
upon a square footage based fee to entirely determine funding
for the FPS,” Wright said. “While AFGE does not oppose the
continued funding of some optional FPS services through this
mechanism, we strongly believe that most activities of FPS can
and should be funded through annual appropriations. The
current funding formula is a root cause of the problems at FPS
and it is in desperate need of reform.”
In addition to today’s testimony, Wright will go before the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the
Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia on June 19 to
discuss “Management Challenges Facing the FPS: What is at
Risk”
Employees FPS Local 918 President David Wright today
Infrastructure Subcommittee on Public Buildings about a new
GAO report released today that describes a critical homeland
security agency in a shambles.
“I am shocked at the leadership failure by the [FPS],
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of
Management and Budget, which increased the risk of criminal
and terrorist attack on federal employees, facilities and
members of the public, by gutting the FPS in the FY08 budget to
roughly the same number of field staff that existed at the time of
the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995,” Wright told Committee
members.
“If one of our local unions had performed in such a manner with
respect to carrying out its mission and responsibilities, it would
have been put into trusteeship,” Wright added. “It is clear to us
that we need Congress to act as a trustee for the Federal
Protective Service.”
Wright urged the Committee to increase the number of
authorized personnel from its current level of 1200 by
approximately 400 for next year. AFGE opposes the effort by
ICE, which oversees FPS, to eliminate police officers and other
law enforcement personnel and create an all-inspector work
force. Wright calls the ICE effort “a mistake,” stating “while there
are more than 1,600 Capitol Police with a budget of $281
million to protect a 12-block radius including the Capitol and
congressional offices, in FY08, all of FPS is projected to have
just 1,200 personnel and approximately $238 million
nationwide. Furthermore, the Secret Service has more than
1,300 officers in its Uniformed Division to protect its assigned
facilities in Washington, D.C., and the Veterans Health
Administration has more than 2,500 police officers protecting
its 154 medical centers nationwide … All these agencies use
extensive proactive patrol by police officers to detect and deter
attack—the very critical activities GAO found missing in FPS.”
AFGE also urged the Committee to restore the 10 percent cut in
retention pay on employees and provide full law enforcement
retirement benefits for FPS law enforcement personnel not now
eligible. It also voiced strong objections to the FPS funding
formula, which relies entirely on the square footage
measurement of federal buildings to determine the fee paid to
FPS.
“ In today’s post- 9/11 world, it makes virtually no sense to rely
upon a square footage based fee to entirely determine funding
for the FPS,” Wright said. “While AFGE does not oppose the
continued funding of some optional FPS services through this
mechanism, we strongly believe that most activities of FPS can
and should be funded through annual appropriations. The
current funding formula is a root cause of the problems at FPS
and it is in desperate need of reform.”
In addition to today’s testimony, Wright will go before the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the
Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia on June 19 to
discuss “Management Challenges Facing the FPS: What is at
Risk”
| June 18, 2008 FPS UNION: AGENCY IS SINKING FAST AFGE Local President Urges Congress to Intervene |
A bipartisan group of Senators on the Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee reacted to a new Government
Accountability Office (GAO) report out today, done at their
request, revealing serious operational and management
challenges facing the Federal Protective Service (FPS). The
report revealed numerous challenges that inadequate staffing
and broken security equipment, as well as heavy reliance on
contract security guards who are not sworn law enforcement
officers and do not have arrest powers.
Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT), Chairman of the full
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said:
"The GAO report confirms our fears that the Federal Protective
Service faces a number of serious challenges that have a real
effect on its ability to protect federal buildings and employees.
Cuts in personnel as responsibilities increase, poor financial
management, and difficulties with its contract guard program
have plagued the FPS and contributed to declining morale,
performance, and safety. These problems didn't spring up
overnight and they can't be fixed overnight, but I am committed
to working with DHS and the FPS to address these challenges."
Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME), Ranking Member of the full
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said:
"FPS is a key component of our nation's security and must be
able to function effectively to carry out its important law
enforcement mission. While I am pleased that efforts have
been made to address financial concerns which are a root
cause of the problems facing FPS, GAO has identified many
other issues that must still be addressed. FPS no longer
proactively patrols federal facilities to detect and prevent
criminal incidents and terrorism-related activities. It has
reduced hours of operation in many locations and has
experienced difficulties maintaining security equipment such as
cameras, x-ray machines, and magnetometers. As a result,
other government agencies are not getting the security they pay
FPS to provide. I will continue to work with FPS and my
colleagues on the Committee to ensure FPS can protect our
federal building infrastructure."
Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Subcommittee
on Oversight of Government Management, said: "Unfortunately,
in recent years it has become clear that federal buildings may
be attractive targets for terrorists. Despite the catastrophic
attack that led to the creation of the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), this GAO report makes clear that FPS was
weakened rather than strengthened by its transition to DHS and
that federal buildings remain vulnerable to terrorism and other
crime. GAO reports that at one high-risk federal building, less
than ten percent of the security cameras worked properly. GAO
investigators also learned of x-ray machines, magnetometers,
FPS radios, and other equipment broken for months or years in
federal buildings. I am also concerned that FPS restricted
employee training, overtime, hiring, promotions, and bonuses
to reduce its costs. I will work to see that Congress continues to
focus attention and resources on this issue." FPS was
transferred from the General Services Administration to DHS in
2003."
Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, said:
"The GAO report that prompted this hearing paints a troubling
picture of operational challenges, management problems and
poor coordination inside and outside of FPS. Specifically,
funding problems and FPS led to poorly timed cuts in funding
for training and retention bonuses - at a time when FPS needed
it most. Questions of equitability also exist in FPS' formula for
charging tenant agencies a basic security fee, and FPS has little
resources to collect information on its own effectiveness. I
question why FPS hasn't adopted the risk based model DHS
uses in allocating homeland security grants. This is a precursor
for inefficiency and waste."
Tomorrow, Senators Akaka and Voinovich will lead a hearing of
the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government
Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of
Columbia to review the GAO report. The hearing entitled
"Management Challenges Facing the Federal Protective
Service: What is at Risk?" will take place at 2:00 p.m. in SD-342.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report is entitled:
The Federal Protective Service Faces Several Challenges that
Hamper its Ability to Protect Federal Facilities (GAO 08-683). It
was requested by Sens. Lieberman, Collins, Akaka, and
Voinovich in February 2007.
FPS is responsible for protecting approximately 9,000
properties that are owned or leased by the federal government
from terrorism and other criminal activity. Approximately 1,100
FPS employees and 15,000 contract security guards protect the
more than one million federal workers who spend their days in
these buildings, in addition to millions of Americans who visit
for government services, as tourists, or for other reasons.
Governmental Affairs Committee reacted to a new Government
Accountability Office (GAO) report out today, done at their
request, revealing serious operational and management
challenges facing the Federal Protective Service (FPS). The
report revealed numerous challenges that inadequate staffing
and broken security equipment, as well as heavy reliance on
contract security guards who are not sworn law enforcement
officers and do not have arrest powers.
Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT), Chairman of the full
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said:
"The GAO report confirms our fears that the Federal Protective
Service faces a number of serious challenges that have a real
effect on its ability to protect federal buildings and employees.
Cuts in personnel as responsibilities increase, poor financial
management, and difficulties with its contract guard program
have plagued the FPS and contributed to declining morale,
performance, and safety. These problems didn't spring up
overnight and they can't be fixed overnight, but I am committed
to working with DHS and the FPS to address these challenges."
Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME), Ranking Member of the full
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said:
"FPS is a key component of our nation's security and must be
able to function effectively to carry out its important law
enforcement mission. While I am pleased that efforts have
been made to address financial concerns which are a root
cause of the problems facing FPS, GAO has identified many
other issues that must still be addressed. FPS no longer
proactively patrols federal facilities to detect and prevent
criminal incidents and terrorism-related activities. It has
reduced hours of operation in many locations and has
experienced difficulties maintaining security equipment such as
cameras, x-ray machines, and magnetometers. As a result,
other government agencies are not getting the security they pay
FPS to provide. I will continue to work with FPS and my
colleagues on the Committee to ensure FPS can protect our
federal building infrastructure."
Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Subcommittee
on Oversight of Government Management, said: "Unfortunately,
in recent years it has become clear that federal buildings may
be attractive targets for terrorists. Despite the catastrophic
attack that led to the creation of the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), this GAO report makes clear that FPS was
weakened rather than strengthened by its transition to DHS and
that federal buildings remain vulnerable to terrorism and other
crime. GAO reports that at one high-risk federal building, less
than ten percent of the security cameras worked properly. GAO
investigators also learned of x-ray machines, magnetometers,
FPS radios, and other equipment broken for months or years in
federal buildings. I am also concerned that FPS restricted
employee training, overtime, hiring, promotions, and bonuses
to reduce its costs. I will work to see that Congress continues to
focus attention and resources on this issue." FPS was
transferred from the General Services Administration to DHS in
2003."
Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, said:
"The GAO report that prompted this hearing paints a troubling
picture of operational challenges, management problems and
poor coordination inside and outside of FPS. Specifically,
funding problems and FPS led to poorly timed cuts in funding
for training and retention bonuses - at a time when FPS needed
it most. Questions of equitability also exist in FPS' formula for
charging tenant agencies a basic security fee, and FPS has little
resources to collect information on its own effectiveness. I
question why FPS hasn't adopted the risk based model DHS
uses in allocating homeland security grants. This is a precursor
for inefficiency and waste."
Tomorrow, Senators Akaka and Voinovich will lead a hearing of
the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government
Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of
Columbia to review the GAO report. The hearing entitled
"Management Challenges Facing the Federal Protective
Service: What is at Risk?" will take place at 2:00 p.m. in SD-342.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report is entitled:
The Federal Protective Service Faces Several Challenges that
Hamper its Ability to Protect Federal Facilities (GAO 08-683). It
was requested by Sens. Lieberman, Collins, Akaka, and
Voinovich in February 2007.
FPS is responsible for protecting approximately 9,000
properties that are owned or leased by the federal government
from terrorism and other criminal activity. Approximately 1,100
FPS employees and 15,000 contract security guards protect the
more than one million federal workers who spend their days in
these buildings, in addition to millions of Americans who visit
for government services, as tourists, or for other reasons.
On Friday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental
more effective and efficient Department of Homeland Security
as a guide for the next Administration and the 111th Congress.
The bill introduced Friday, represents the first Senate bill, the
Chairman and Ranking Member hope to improve the ability of
DHS to carry out its missions and become the mature and
effective Department the nation demands.
The bill represents a comprehensive package of homeland
issues related directly to the Federal Protective Service. Many of
these issues have been priority concerns of AFGE Local 918-
FPS members and as such the Local has vigorously pursued
to have these important issues included in the Senate’s DHS
authorization bill. These include enhanced law enforcement
retirement coverage, authorization for off-duty carry of firearms
and increased staffing for FPS. A summary of the FPS
authorization follows:
TITLE XI: FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE AUTHORIZATION
Section 1101. Authorization of Federal Protective Service
Personnel.
This section requires that the Secretary of Homeland Security
ensure that the Federal Protective Service (FPS) maintain no
fewer than 1200 FTE’s, including 900 law enforcement officers,
for FY2009, and no fewer than 1300 FTE’s, including 950 law
enforcement officers, for FY2010. It authorizes $650 million for
FY2009 and $675 million for FY 2010 for this purpose. This
section also requires the Secretary to submit a report to
Congress evaluating whether all, part, or none of the FPS’
budget should be funded by fee collections, direct
appropriations or some other funding mechanism. Currently,
the FPS is entirely fee funded.
Section 1102. Report on Personnel Needs of the Federal
Protective Service.
This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
study and report on the staffing needs of the FPS, including
recommendations on the level and composition of staffing
required to accomplish the missions of the FPS.
Section 1103. Authority for Federal Protective Service
Officers and Investigators to Carry Weapons During Off-Duty
Times. This section amends Section 1315(b)(2) of title 40 to
permit FPS law enforcement officers to carry weapons and
effect arrests during off-duty times. It does not extend the
jurisdiction of FPS law enforcement officers.
Section 1104. Amendments Relating to the Civil Service
Retirement System.
This section amends the Civil Service Retirement System to
provide law enforcement retirement benefits to FPS Police
Officers, Law Enforcement Security Officers/Inspectors, and
Criminal Investigators.
Section 1105. Federal Protective Service Contracts.
This section directs the Secretary of the Homeland Security to
promulgate regulations prohibiting the award of contracts for
guard services by the Federal Protective Service to any
business owned, controlled or operated by an individual
convicted of serious felonies.
This is just a first step. AFGE Local 918-FPS will continue to
pursue all options to ensure that these issues are formalized
into law. It is essential for the viability of FPS that these bill
becomes law. The inclusion of these provisions in the Senate’s
authorization bill would not be possible without the lobbying
and grassroots efforts of AFGE Local 918-FPS President David
Wright and other members of the Local’s Executive Board and
especially without the extraordinary efforts of our lobbyist, Eric
Shulman, who would not be possible without the dues-paying
members of the Local. In addition, the grassroots efforts our
members have made in contacting their Congressional
representatives have proved invaluable in achieving our goals
in Congress. AFGE Local 918-FPS thanks all of our dues-
paying members for their hard work and support of the union.
more effective and efficient Department of Homeland Security
as a guide for the next Administration and the 111th Congress.
The bill introduced Friday, represents the first Senate bill, the
Chairman and Ranking Member hope to improve the ability of
DHS to carry out its missions and become the mature and
effective Department the nation demands.
The bill represents a comprehensive package of homeland
issues related directly to the Federal Protective Service. Many of
these issues have been priority concerns of AFGE Local 918-
FPS members and as such the Local has vigorously pursued
to have these important issues included in the Senate’s DHS
authorization bill. These include enhanced law enforcement
retirement coverage, authorization for off-duty carry of firearms
and increased staffing for FPS. A summary of the FPS
authorization follows:
TITLE XI: FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE AUTHORIZATION
Section 1101. Authorization of Federal Protective Service
Personnel.
This section requires that the Secretary of Homeland Security
ensure that the Federal Protective Service (FPS) maintain no
fewer than 1200 FTE’s, including 900 law enforcement officers,
for FY2009, and no fewer than 1300 FTE’s, including 950 law
enforcement officers, for FY2010. It authorizes $650 million for
FY2009 and $675 million for FY 2010 for this purpose. This
section also requires the Secretary to submit a report to
Congress evaluating whether all, part, or none of the FPS’
budget should be funded by fee collections, direct
appropriations or some other funding mechanism. Currently,
the FPS is entirely fee funded.
Section 1102. Report on Personnel Needs of the Federal
Protective Service.
This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
study and report on the staffing needs of the FPS, including
recommendations on the level and composition of staffing
required to accomplish the missions of the FPS.
Section 1103. Authority for Federal Protective Service
Officers and Investigators to Carry Weapons During Off-Duty
Times. This section amends Section 1315(b)(2) of title 40 to
permit FPS law enforcement officers to carry weapons and
effect arrests during off-duty times. It does not extend the
jurisdiction of FPS law enforcement officers.
Section 1104. Amendments Relating to the Civil Service
Retirement System.
This section amends the Civil Service Retirement System to
provide law enforcement retirement benefits to FPS Police
Officers, Law Enforcement Security Officers/Inspectors, and
Criminal Investigators.
Section 1105. Federal Protective Service Contracts.
This section directs the Secretary of the Homeland Security to
promulgate regulations prohibiting the award of contracts for
guard services by the Federal Protective Service to any
business owned, controlled or operated by an individual
convicted of serious felonies.
This is just a first step. AFGE Local 918-FPS will continue to
pursue all options to ensure that these issues are formalized
into law. It is essential for the viability of FPS that these bill
becomes law. The inclusion of these provisions in the Senate’s
authorization bill would not be possible without the lobbying
and grassroots efforts of AFGE Local 918-FPS President David
Wright and other members of the Local’s Executive Board and
especially without the extraordinary efforts of our lobbyist, Eric
Shulman, who would not be possible without the dues-paying
members of the Local. In addition, the grassroots efforts our
members have made in contacting their Congressional
representatives have proved invaluable in achieving our goals
in Congress. AFGE Local 918-FPS thanks all of our dues-
paying members for their hard work and support of the union.
| Senate Homeland Security Committee Introduces DHS Authorization Bill Includes key provisions for FPS to include increasedstaffing, enhanced retirement and off-duty carry among other issues September 26, 2008 |
| Authorization Bill a priority January 6, 2009 |
Government Executive: Senate Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joseph Lieberman,
I-Conn., Tuesday outlined his panel's priorities for the year,
including the first authorization bill for the Homeland Security
Department. Lieberman indicated he would like his committee
to mark up the authorization bill before congressional
appropriators approve the department's annual spending bill.
Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joseph Lieberman,
I-Conn., Tuesday outlined his panel's priorities for the year,
including the first authorization bill for the Homeland Security
Department. Lieberman indicated he would like his committee
to mark up the authorization bill before congressional
appropriators approve the department's annual spending bill.
| Copyright 2009: American Federation of Government Employees Local 918. All rights reserved. |
(WASHINGTON)— Underfunding and mismanagement at the
Federal Protective Service have left our nation’s federal
buildings vulnerable, the American Federation of Government
Employees said today in response to a preliminary GAO report
on FPS.
“The GAO today confirmed what the members of AFGE’s FPS
Local 918 have been saying for years: The Federal Protective
Service is not meeting its mission requirements because it is
not getting the leadership or financial support it needs to do its
job effectively,” said David Wright, president of Local 918, which
covers FPS employees nationwide. “As a result, federal
buildings around the country are more vulnerable.
“Is it any wonder,” Wright continued, “that there have been
contracting and oversight failures when—from 2000 to 2009—
the number of contractors has increased from 7,300 to 15,000
and the number of FPS law enforcement officers has
decreased from 1400 to1200?”
Seeing a silver lining in this grim report, Wright said, “I see a
much brighter future for the FPS. The Obama administration
has taken the first crucial step by proposing the transfer of FPS
to the National Protection and Programs Directorate, which is a
more natural fit than the current overseer, Immigration and
Customs Enforcement. The move creates the opportunity FPS
needs to rebuild itself into the first class anti-crime and anti-
terrorism agency the nation requires.
“But the move is just a starting point, and we look forward to
working with Senators Lieberman, Collins and all members of
the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to
address the serious and long standing problems at FPS as
outlined in the GAO report,” Wright added.
“Our voice finally has been heard and a new day will be
dawning for this long ignored but truly mission critical federal
agency,” Wright said. “The beneficiaries are not just the
dedicated law enforcement officers who work for the FPS, but
also the many thousands of workers and visitors to federal
buildings and the American people who live and work near
those facilities.”
Federal Protective Service have left our nation’s federal
buildings vulnerable, the American Federation of Government
Employees said today in response to a preliminary GAO report
on FPS.
“The GAO today confirmed what the members of AFGE’s FPS
Local 918 have been saying for years: The Federal Protective
Service is not meeting its mission requirements because it is
not getting the leadership or financial support it needs to do its
job effectively,” said David Wright, president of Local 918, which
covers FPS employees nationwide. “As a result, federal
buildings around the country are more vulnerable.
“Is it any wonder,” Wright continued, “that there have been
contracting and oversight failures when—from 2000 to 2009—
the number of contractors has increased from 7,300 to 15,000
and the number of FPS law enforcement officers has
decreased from 1400 to1200?”
Seeing a silver lining in this grim report, Wright said, “I see a
much brighter future for the FPS. The Obama administration
has taken the first crucial step by proposing the transfer of FPS
to the National Protection and Programs Directorate, which is a
more natural fit than the current overseer, Immigration and
Customs Enforcement. The move creates the opportunity FPS
needs to rebuild itself into the first class anti-crime and anti-
terrorism agency the nation requires.
“But the move is just a starting point, and we look forward to
working with Senators Lieberman, Collins and all members of
the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to
address the serious and long standing problems at FPS as
outlined in the GAO report,” Wright added.
“Our voice finally has been heard and a new day will be
dawning for this long ignored but truly mission critical federal
agency,” Wright said. “The beneficiaries are not just the
dedicated law enforcement officers who work for the FPS, but
also the many thousands of workers and visitors to federal
buildings and the American people who live and work near
those facilities.”
| July 8, 2009 Federal Buildings Too Vulnerable, Says FPS Union AFGE reacts to GAO report on FPS Contracting Failures |
| July 8, 2009 LIEBERMAN AND COLLINS TO DRAFT FPS REFORM LEGISLATION Agency Needs Additional Resources, Training Plans; Bomb Materials Smuggled into 10 Federal Buildings |
WASHINGTON – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking
Member Susan Collins, R-Me., Wednesday announced they
would introduce legislation to set the Federal Protective Service
(FPS) on course to fulfill its mission of protecting 9,000 federal
buildings around the country after federal investigators
smuggled bomb-making materials past guards at 10 high
security locations.
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.
Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking
Member Susan Collins, R-Me., Wednesday announced they
would introduce legislation to set the Federal Protective Service
(FPS) on course to fulfill its mission of protecting 9,000 federal
buildings around the country after federal investigators
smuggled bomb-making materials past guards at 10 high
security locations.
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.
| AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES LOCAL 918-FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE Representing Federal Protective Service Employees Nationwide |
(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.
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.
| November 18, 2009 FULL FUNDING AT FPS MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY, SAYS AFGE FPS union president testifies before the House Homeland Security Committee |