Pentagon_Force_Protection_Agency

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Pentagon Force Protection Agency

The Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) is a United States Government agency staffed by sworn Federal police officers (United States Pentagon Police), civilian criminal investigators and CBRN technicians, as well as non-sworn civilian anti-terrorism physical security personnel, and is responsible for the protection of The Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense (DoD). In response to the terrorist attack against the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, the DoD established the new agency, which absorbed the Defense Protective Service (DPS), and assumed its role of providing basic law enforcement and security for The Pentagon and DoD interests in the National Capitol Region (NCR).

PFPA expanded that mission to provide force protection against the full spectrum of potential threats through robust prevention, preparedness, detection, and response measures. The agency provides those services to the 280 acre (1.1 km²) "Pentagon Reservation" as well as numerous other Department of Defense activities and facilities within the NCR.

United States Pentagon Police

The United States Pentagon Police is the federal police force of the Secretary of Defense. As the federal law enforcement division of the PFPA, the mission of the U.S. Pentagon Police (USPPD) is to promote high quality law enforcement and security services, in order to provide a safe and orderly work environment for the Department of Defense community in the National Capital Region.

Formerly The Defense Protective Service (DPS), The United States Pentagon Police have exclusive jurisdiction within the Pentagon Reservation and have concurrent jurisdiction with other police agencies (state, county, & local) in an area of approximately 280 acres around the complex. U.S. Pentagon police officers also hold concurrent jurisdiction at Department of Defense leased property throughout the National Capitol Region, at the U.S. Military Court of Appeals in Washington D.C., and various other properties throughout the NCR. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Arlington County, U.S. Pentagon Police Officers also possess authority, to enforce laws while on duty in Arlington County, Alexandria, the District of Columbia, and various other areas throughout the National Capital Region. Additionally, they are charged with the protection of various Department of Defense executive officers and political figures.

Personnel

Careers

The United States Pentagon Police has an assortment of career opportunities. The motorized, bicycle, and motorcycle patrols, Emergency Response Team, K-9, Protective Service Unit, Criminal Investigations, Training Branch, Evidence and Court Liaison, and Recruiting Branch are units that exist for career enhancement.

U.S. Pentagon Police Officers/Agents are sworn federal officers, appointed under Title 10 Section 2674 of the United States Code. The officers possess full Federal authority, as authorized by Section 2674, and receive initial training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.

Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Directorate (ATFP)

The mission of the PFPA Antiterrorism Force/Protection Directorate (AT/FP) is to provide PFPA and DoD interests throughout the National Capital Region with a total AT/FP program designed to protect lives, facilities, information and equipment. The AT/FP Division advises Pentagon leaders on AT/FP matters; conducts antiterrorism training for all Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) personnel; gathers, analyzes and disseminates threat information as it relates to AT/FP; develops AT/FP plans and programs; and conducts vulnerability assessments.

The AT/FP Directorate is composed of highly trained and motivated security specialists responsible for deterring, detecting, and responding against terrorist attacks to DoD assets within the National Capital Region (NCR). Additionally, the security specialists serve as AT subject matter experts for the Designated Officials throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).

The AT/FP Directorate also provides AT Level I Training at the Pentagon twice a week, and provides DoD personnel with a direct link for reporting suspicious activity.