United States Park Police

Today, our team joins federal partners for the Freedom 250 Interagency Response and Capabilities Showcase—an event highlighting the tools, equipment, and teamwork that will help keep the public safe during this summer’s major events.

The morning kicks off with a press conference, followed by a hands on touch a truck experience where reporters have the opportunity to explore our safety and security resources up close and ask questions about how we prepare for large scale events.

With UFC events, July 4th celebrations, and the Grand Prix approaching, this showcase reflects our commitment to collaboration, readiness, and ensuring a safe experience for all.

Proud to stand alongside our partners as we work together to protect our communities.

Join us virtually, the event starts at 10am: https://www.facebook.com/DCGuard/

Photos to follow

Today, we honor and remember Doc, a devoted equine partner and one of the most beloved mounts of the Force.

For more than 13 years, Doc faithfully served the public. His current assignment was with his partner Officer David Rodriguez in NYFO and previously with Retired Sergeant Mark Schuette and Sergeant Michael Keller. At 24 years old, he stood as one of the Force’s most recognizable and cherished horses.

From 2013 to 2021, he served in Washington, D.C., before continuing his dedicated work with NYFO from 2021 to 2026.

Doc served with honor, dedication, and unwavering professionalism. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered

Columbus Circle, located directly in front of Union Station, is visited by millions of residents, workers, and travelers each year. The National Park Service has completed major improvements to this iconic public space, restoring the long inactive Columbus Fountain, refreshing the landscape, improving pedestrian access, and enhancing safety. These upgrades symbolize renewal and strengthen one of the most visible entry points into the nation’s capital.

Yesterday, thirty-eight U.S Park Police recruits graduated from the Uniform Police Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia. This class marks the sixth group of UPTP graduates since the recent surge in recruiting. The ceremony featured a full class inspection and a keynote address delivered by Chief Scott Brecht.

Congratulations to all!

On Memorial Day, U.S. Park Police gratefully reflect on and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. We are reminded that freedom is not free.

USPP Uniformed Police Training Program students and staff assisted VFW Post 2588 with placing American flags within the veteran cemetery in Glynco, GA. Many of the veterans no longer have families or friends visiting them so placing flags at each gravesite was just one way to honor their service to our country.

Help keep their memory alive: when placing an item at a grave or memorial, say the name aloud; it may have been a while since someone has said it. Many figures throughout history have been thought to say this or something akin to it: “You die twice. First, when you take your last breath, second, when your name is spoken for the last time.”

Ofc Trooper reporting for Memorial Day Weekend beach patrol at Riis Beach and Fort Tilden in New York.

U.S. Park Police recently conducted commercial vehicle traffic enforcement on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. This is a reminder that commercial vehicles are prohibited on National Park Service roadways in the D.C. area unless operating with an approved special use permit.

Originally designed as a scenic roadway for passenger vehicles, the BW has narrow lanes, limited shoulders, low-clearance bridges, and short entrance and exit ramps that are not suitable for commercial traffic.

USPP conducts enforcement operations to help keep all motorists safe. Commercial drivers are advised to follow posted restrictions and use designated truck routes.

This weekend is often considered the unofficial kick-off to summer, and with major events and celebrations happening in our nation’s capital over the next several months, this is the perfect time to remind residents and visitors that D.C. is generally a no drone zone.

No Drone Zone

Drone flights in the District are very heavily restricted and require specific FAA authorization, which involves extensive vetting; approval is typically limited to official government and law enforcement operations. Launching, landing, or operating a drone from NPS parklands is also prohibited without additional written authorization from the superintendent.

The District has some of the most restricted airspace in the country, due to significant safety and security concerns. Flying a drone illegally can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges that may require court appearances, substantial fines, revocation of your remote pilot certification, and even jail time, depending on the nature of the violation. And law enforcement will almost certainly confiscate your drone.

Don’t risk it — leave it home — drone detection technology is utilized in the region.