U.S. Park Police Modernization Act
U.S. Park Police Modernization Act would overhaul how the United States Park Police (USPP) is compensated by condensing and accelerating the pay-steps structure used for officers and members. The bill directs a new, fixed pay schedule (drawn from a District of Columbia salary framework) that reduces the overall number of steps and shortens the time between many steps, thereby speeding up pay progression. It also sets pay caps tied to the federal Executive Schedule and provides transitional rules, including disregarding adjustments made before January 12, 2025. The changes are to take effect with the first pay period after enactment. In short, the bill aims to modernize and streamline USPP pay, potentially increasing early-career earnings and altering the pay scale for higher ranks.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a new, consolidated pay schedule for US Park Police officers and members, with steps labeled 1 through 13 and specific pay rates for each step (as shown in the bill’s table). The schedule is patterned after the District of Columbia Police and Firemen’s Salary Act of 1958.
- 2Condenses and accelerates service steps: the schedule shows shorter intervals between early steps (e.g., 52 weeks) and longer intervals for later steps (e.g., 104 weeks), effectively speeding up promotions and pay increases for many ranks.
- 3Caps pay at higher levels: for certain salary classes (5, 7, 8, 9) the rate is limited to 95% of Executive Schedule Level V; for Salary Class 10, pay is 95% of Level V; and Salary Class 11 is equal to Level V.
- 4Disregards prior adjustments: any adjustments to USPP pay under the DC Act prior to January 12, 2025 are disregarded, creating a clean slate for the new schedule.
- 5Effective date and construction: the new pay rates take effect on the first day of the first pay period after enactment. The bill also includes a rule of construction stating it does not limit or reduce any payments under other provisions of the DC Police and Firemen’s Salary Act.