As I reflect on the accomplishments of the Force in 2006 and 2007, I am reminded of how proud I am to serve with the men and women of the United States Park Police. We have faced many challenges, but we have always maintained our focus and stayed true to our mission. The perseverance of the employees of the United States Park Police in challenging times is a testament to their dedication to public service.

Among the many of our accomplishments in 2006, administratively, the Force published and implemented a comprehensive Strategic Plan covering the years 2006-2009. Based on the Strategic Plan, the Force developed and put into practice the Force Performance Measures, which allow Force managers to evaluate current operations, enhance effectiveness, and develop new efficient and effective practices, when applicable.

We continue to move forward in the field of technology, working with our partners to enhance our communications interoperability capabilities, evidenced by the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the Force and Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. This agreement increases the area covered by U.S. Park Police radios, will significantly reduce future radio maintenance costs, and increase the number of radio channels available to the Force. We have completed the first stage of the Incident Management Analysis and Reporting System. This system enhances incident management reporting in the field, records management, and crime analysis.

We have a proud tradition of providing a safe environment to visitors of the National Parks and protecting our National Icons. In 2006 alone, the Force handled over 12,000 special events, including the State Funeral of Former President Gerald Ford, the Funeral Service for Mrs. Rosa Parks, several potentially volatile First Amendment demonstrations in National Parks, the Annual 4th of July Celebration, Groundbreaking for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial and many others. Our Criminal Investigations Branch’s capabilities and professionalism received National attention when detectives assigned to the Unit closed the highly publicized crimes that occurred on the National Mall. The Force was able to maintain and build upon our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies by conducting joint training exercises that enhance unified response to incidents within the areas we serve.

The United States Park Police continues on the forefront of Icon protection, participating in the physical security enhancements of the Washington Monument, technological advancement in the protection of the Statue of Liberty, and design conferences of proposed future memorials.

Just as we have moved forward in 2007, I look ahead with great anticipation to our improvement in 2008.