National Park Service United States Park Police: A History

The United States Park Police is a unique organization within the National Park Service. It is the oldest NPS component, predating its adoptive parent by half a century (or more, some would argue). Its personnel wear distinctive uniforms, perform specialized functions, and are regularly assigned to a small minority of national parklands.

Most NPS employees are probably unfamiliar with the Park Police and may well wonder why the organization exists. From the demanding nature of their duties and the evident public service they perform, Park Police personnel surely know why the organization exists; but few of them may know how it began and how far it has come to reach its present elite status. This short history is intended to acquaint NPS employees in general and Park Police personnel in particular with its background and evolution. If it helps them and others interested in the force to better understand and appreciate this special NPS unit, it will have served its purpose.