National Mall (DC)
Major Anti-War Demonstration
On Saturday, October 25th, tens of thousands of demonstrators arrived
on the Washington Monument grounds for an organized protest against the
U.S. occupation of Iraq. The demonstration was organized by the group
A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism). U.S. Park Police and
NPS officials met with the organizers for months ahead of time, planning
for the big event. Days off and leave were cancelled for USPP officers
and the department had everyone on duty. There were minor conflicts
between demonstrators and smaller groups in support of the troops, but
there were no arrests. The Park Police credit prior planning with
organizers and the total force commitment to the success in maintaining
a balance between First Amendment rights and visitor access to sites on
the National Mall.
[Submitted by Sergeant Scott Fear, US Park
Police]
Redwood National and State Parks (CA)
Car Clout Arrest
Over the past several months, the north coast of California and
Redwood National and State Parks have experienced a rash of auto
burglaries. On October 12th, based on intelligence obtained from a
concealed video camera, rangers staked out the Skunk Cabbage trailhead
within the park. An hour after the operation began, they saw J.D.D.
Jr., 22, take a flat-head screwdriver from his car, and, in just
seconds, pry open the lock mechanism on a vehicle parked at the
trailhead. Rangers subsequently arrested J.D.D. and two companions. When
confronted with video footage of a previous auto burglary in the park,
J.D.D. confessed to that burglary as well. J.D.D. told the rangers that
another person recorded on video with him during a previous burglary was
in jail in Humboldt County for an unrelated auto burglary case.
Execution of a search warrant produced further evidence that is being
shared with other law enforcement agencies in the area. Investigation
into other suspects continues. Dave Vecera is the case ranger.
[Submitted by Scott Wanek, Chief Ranger]
Colorado National Monument (CO)
Body Found - Probable Suicide
At about 6 p.m. on October 24th, two visitors saw what they believed
was a body below the Redlands Fault overlook. They confirmed their
suspicion with binoculars and called 911. Rangers and Mesa County
deputies responded and located the body of a 49-year-old Fruita man
about 100 feet below the overlook. A suicide note was found in his
pocket. Investigation by deputies and the coroner indicate the body had
been there between 18 and 24 hours.
[Submitted by Ron Young, Chief
Ranger]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Social Science Program
Park Annual Visitation Statistics Graphs
Park annual visitation statistics can now be graphed on-line on the Public Use Statistics Office website. Previously, annual visitation statistics have been available on the browser screen or downloaded into an Excel file. New capabilities provide on-screen graphs of annual park visitation statistics.
To access this information, go to the Public Use Statistics Office website at http://www2.nature.nps.gov/stats/, click on "Visitation Databases," then "Park by Year 1904-2002."
For further information contact Brian Forist in the NPS Social Science Program by telephone at (202) 513-7190 or by email at brian_forist@partner.nps.gov, or Butch Street in the Public Use Statistics Office by telephone at (303) 987-6957 or by email at butch_street@nps.gov.
[Submitted by Brian Forist, brian_forist@partner.nps.gov, (202) 513-7190] More Information...
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found on the left side of the front page of InsideNPS. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.