US Park Police face staffing crisis with 100 officer shortage amid rising event demands

The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources convened on December 31, 2024, to address pressing issues facing the United States Park Police, particularly concerning staffing shortages and the impact on officer morale and public safety.

The meeting began with a stark overview of the current staffing situation within the Park Police. It was reported that the agency is currently short by approximately 100 officers, with only 334 of the 432 sworn positions filled. This deficit has led to a troubling trend of canceled days off for officers, which has increased from 30 cancellations in 2016 to 72 in the current year. Officers are frequently required to work extended shifts, often exceeding 18 hours, contributing to burnout and low morale.

Testimony highlighted that many officers are considering leaving the force for better-paying positions in other federal law enforcement agencies. The pay scale for Park Police is notably slower to reach maximum levels compared to other agencies, taking 30 years to achieve full pay, while others require only 20 to 22 years. This disparity, coupled with the demanding nature of the job, has led to a significant retention challenge.

Congress members expressed concern over the implications of these staffing shortages on public safety, particularly during high-profile events in Washington, D.C. It was noted that the Park Police often have to cancel officers' days off to meet the demands of planned events, with estimates suggesting that upwards of 90% of such events require additional staffing, which is rarely fulfilled without forcing overtime.

The discussion also touched on budgetary concerns, specifically the allocation of $500 million designated for hiring within the Park Police, of which only $19 million has been utilized for this purpose. Questions arose regarding the whereabouts of the remaining funds, indicating a need for greater transparency and accountability in budget management.

Several committee members emphasized the importance of addressing these issues through potential bipartisan efforts to modernize pay scales and improve working conditions for Park Police officers. The meeting concluded with a commitment from committee members to advocate for the necessary resources and support to enhance the operational capacity of the Park Police, ensuring they can effectively serve the public while maintaining officer well-being.

Overall, the hearing underscored the urgent need for legislative action to address staffing and morale issues within the United States Park Police, highlighting the broader challenges faced by law enforcement agencies across the country.