For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the transfer of the Federal Protective Service (FPS) from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD)—streamlining decision-making and aligning the protection of federal buildings with DHS’ broader critical infrastructure protection mission.
“Securing government facilities is a vital aspect of DHS’ critical infrastructure protection mission,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Transferring FPS to NPPD will enhance oversight and efficiency while maximizing the Department’s overall effectiveness in protecting federal buildings across the country.”
The President’s fiscal year 2010 budget requested the transfer of FPS from ICE to NPPD, and the provision was included in the DHS appropriations bill President Obama signed into law on Oct. 28.
The realignment allows FPS to focus on its primary mission—securing General Services Administration (GSA)-owned and leased federal buildings by performing building security assessments and deploying appropriate countermeasures—while enabling ICE to focus on the smart and effective enforcement of immigration and customs laws.
FPS and NPPD already work together on many initiatives, including the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP)—under which FPS leads the protection activities of the Government Facilities Sector—and the NPPD-led establishment of government-wide physical security policy.
Under NPPD, FPS will maintain its current responsibilities to secure federal facilities. No workforce or employment changes are expected.
FPS delivers integrated law enforcement and physical security services to federal agencies in nearly 9,000 facilities owned and leased by GSA throughout the United States and its territories.
For more information about the FPS transfer, visit www.dhs.gov/fps.
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