FPS Needs Better Coordination with Federal Partners
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement in response to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report he requested on the quality of coordination between Federal Protective Service (FPS) personnel and state and local law enforcement agencies. The report, entitled "Federal Protective Service: Better Data on Facility Jurisdictions Needed to Enhance Collaboration with State and Local Law Enforcement" (GAO-12-434).
GAO found that FPS has "a reasonable approach to state and local collaboration." However, GAO also found that FPS, the federal agency responsible for protection of federal buildings, falls short in its collaboration with the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA has failed to provide FPS with complete information in almost one-third of the federal facilities it protects. As a result of these findings, MOUs will be revised and GSA has agreed to assign a liaison to FPS for better coordination and data completion.
Congressman Thompson released the following statement with the Report:
"After several years of oversight by this committee, I am pleased that FPS has done its part in coordinating with state and local law enforcement across the country. However, the failure of GSA is troubling. Federal buildings are the primary responsibility of GSA. I look forward to working with the new leadership at GSA to assure that FPS gets the information and cooperation it needs."
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