A Day After Norton’s Letter, Park Police Ends Furloughs

WASHINGTON, DC – A day after Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) sent a letter to appropriators outlining the potential hazards of sequester-induced furloughs on public safety in the nation's capital, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that furloughs for Park Police will end effective June 1. Norton's letter informed appropriators of her findings from recent meetings with Park Police and Capitol Police officials and employees that furloughs for the Park Police and abrupt, disruptive changes in tours of duty for the Capitol Police could jeopardize public safety in the nation's capital in light of new risks raised by the Boston Marathon bombings. Norton was particularly concerned about the Park Police, which is tasked with protecting a disproportionately large area of the city, as well as the national capital region, and is the principal federal agency for policing outdoor events in the nation's capital.

"As we approach the season of outdoor commemorations, marathons, marches and other events involving large crowds, I appreciate that the National Park Service has made the wise decision to end furloughs of the Park Police," said Norton. "This is a very important step by the National Park Service to put public safety first in the nation's capital."

Prior to today's announcement, Norton, in her letter, pointed out that the Park Police, a unit of the National Park Service, was furloughing every employee while NPS itself planned no furloughs. "There appears to be no valid reason why the entire burden of sequester cuts should fall on essential personnel," wrote Norton.

Norton said that she will continue to press for relief for the Capitol Police, which is enduring disruptive changes in tours of duty. With some adjustments, she believes, the changes can be avoided.

Published: May 24, 2013