Norton Sends Letter Expressing Concern for Safety of Park Police Officers During the Coronavirus

Contact: Sharon Eliza Nichols

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced that she sent a letter to the Acting Director of the National Park Service (NPS), David Vela, asking for answers on measures NPS is taking to protect the safety of U.S. Park Police officers during the coronavirus. Last week, Norton sent a letter to Acting Director Vela asking for answers on measures NPS is taking to protect the safety of NPS staff who work in parks that remain open.

"Park Police officers are critical to public safety in the District of Columbia," Norton said. "Given the small size of the force, a few absences can impact their ability to protect the public in our neighborhood parks and on the National Mall. I wrote to Acting Director Vela to make sure NPS has sufficient safety measures in place to protect these officers." Park Police officers not only protect NPS land in the District, which constitutes a significant portion of the District, but also have local police powers throughout the entire District to keep our city safe.

The letter follows.

Dear Acting Director Vela:

On March 20, 2020, I wrote to inquire about actions the National Park Service (NPS) is taking to protect its employees who are working in NPS parks that remain open during the coronavirus. Today, I write to inquire about actions NPS is taking to protect U.S. Park Police officers during the coronavirus. It is my understanding that the Park Police force is small enough that a handful of officers getting sick could interfere with its ability to carry out its responsibilities. Please provide answers in writing to the following questions:

• Will NPS provide personal protective equipment to officers?
• Will NPS provide guidance to officers on coronavirus infection control?
• How will NPS limit officers' potential exposure to the coronavirus?
• Will NPS adapt officer work schedules to meet operational challenges presented by the coronavirus?

I ask for your response within five legislative days.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton