The Guard Force have been under the direction of the U.S. Park Police since March, 1967. They provide on-site facility protection and fire detection services to areas administered by the National Park Service under the jurisdictional responsibility of the United States Park Police.  These services are provided by the Guards in lieu of police officers to maintain the most efficient and economical utilization of resources available to the National Park Service.  Further, the Guards serve as a communication link to highly specialized emergency service agencies to prevent loss of historical structures or other government properties.  Many sites are covered by the United States Park Police Guard Force  within the Washington Metropolitan area.