Evaluation of the Defense Protective Service

Following a request by the Chairman, Subcommittee on Military Readiness, Committee on National Security, U.S. House of Representatives, the Department of Defense Inspector General IG conducted an evaluation of the Defense Protective Service DPS. The overall objective was to assess DPS effectiveness and efficiency in accomplishing its law enforcement mission, including whether the law enforcement mission was well defined, and whether DPS written policies, operating procedures, and training requirements were adequate. The IG also assessed perceived DPS personnel and training problems cited by the Chairman, specifically a lack of continuing training for DPS officers after graduation from the basic training academy shortages of personnel causing significant overtime requirements the use of DPS officers on overtime at non-Pentagon locations and generally low employee morale. The IG announced its evaluation on June 2, 1997, and conducted the fieldwork during the period July 15, 1997 through March 6, 1998. On December 18, 1998, it issued this report in draft form for management comment. It specifically requested comments from the Director, Administration and Management, and from the General Counsel, Department of Defense.