District 1 - The Central District Station throughout its early history, the United States Park Police patrolled from one central headquarters facility.  As the Patrol Division decentralized in the early 1970’s, the Central District Station was established.  In 1972, the Central District Station moved to 2nd and V Sts. SW, (Fort McNair) along with the Criminal Investigations and Special Forces Branches.  The Station remained at that location until September 28, 1979, when it was moved to its present location in East Potomac Park.

The Central District is home to many annual special events including the National Independence Day celebration, the Cherry Blossom Festival, as well as numerous demonstrations, footraces, and festivals.  Officers patrol by foot, bicycle, scooter, and in cruisers and plainclothes (Crime Prevention Unit - CPU). Central District officers specialize in a variety of enforcement efforts that include crimes against persons, theft from autos, drug and alcohol violations, and traffic and vending enforcement.

 Central District is bounded by Florida Avenue on the north, the Potomac River on the south, the Anacostia River on the east, and Rock Creek Parkway on the west.   The area includes the Washington Monument, Lincoln, Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, the National Mall, East and West Potomac Park, Lafayette and East Executive Parks, and the Ellipse.   The District expands north to include Dupont Circle, Franklin Park, Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Park, Ford’s Theater, and the Peterson and Mary McLeod Bethune Houses.  The District reaches east to include Stanton and Lincoln Parks and the marinas on the western shore of the Anacostia River. The Central District also had at one time responsibility for the National Visitors Center at Union Station and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.