Pentagon Force Protection Agency facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pentagon Force Protection Agency |
|
|---|---|
PFPA Seal
|
|
| Abbreviation | PFPA |
| Motto | "Protecting those Who Protect Our Nation" |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | May 3, 2002 |
| Preceding agency |
|
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Federal agency (Operations jurisdiction) |
United States |
| Operations jurisdiction | United States |
| Legal jurisdiction | The Pentagon and National Capital Region |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | The Pentagon |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent agency | Department of Defense |
| Child agency |
|
| Website | |
| www.pfpa.mil | |
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) is a special group that keeps people and buildings safe. It protects everyone who works at or visits the Pentagon. This includes the main Pentagon building and other nearby facilities.
The PFPA is part of the United States Department of Defense. It uses many different experts to do its job. These include police officers, investigators, and security specialists. They also have teams that deal with dangerous chemicals or bombs.
Contents
What is the Pentagon Police Department?
The Pentagon Police Department (PPD) is a key part of the PFPA. Their main goal is to provide excellent police and security services. This helps create a safe place for all Department of Defense workers. They work in the Washington, D.C. area.
Where do the Pentagon Police work?
The Pentagon Police used to be called the Defense Protective Service. They are the main police force for the Pentagon area. This area is about 275 acres (1.11 km2) (1.1 square kilometers). They also work with other police groups in this area.
Police officers in Arlington County, Virginia have also given the Pentagon Police special permission. This allows them to act as police officers throughout Arlington County when needed. The Pentagon Police also protect important leaders of the Department of Defense.
Who are Pentagon Police officers?
Pentagon Police officers are federal law enforcement officers. This means they work for the U.S. government. They get their first training at a special center. This center is called the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. It is located in Glynco, Georgia.
How the PFPA Fights Terrorism
The Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection Directorate (AT/FP) works to prevent terrorist attacks. They protect people, buildings, information, and equipment. Their work covers the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) interests. This includes areas around the nation's capital.
What the AT/FP Directorate Does
The AT/FP Division gives advice to Pentagon leaders. They help them understand how to prevent terrorism. They also train all OSD workers on anti-terrorism methods. This group collects and shares information about threats. They create plans and programs to keep everyone safe. They also check for weak spots that could be attacked.
The AT/FP Directorate has highly trained experts. These specialists work to stop terrorist activities. They are especially focused on protecting the Secretary of Defense and other top officials. They lead these efforts even when officials are away from the Pentagon.
Dealing with Dangerous Materials
The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, & Explosive Directorate (CBRNE) protects the Pentagon. They also guard other nearby Department of Defense buildings. This unit checks all mail and deliveries for dangerous items.
CBRNE also watches the air and environment at these locations. They make sure there are no harmful chemicals, germs, radiation, or explosives. If they find something suspicious, bomb experts are called. These experts examine the item and sometimes destroy it safely.
Technology for Protection
The Force Protection Technology Directorate (FPTD) manages all of PFPA's computers. They also handle the computer networks. This group keeps security alarms and sensor systems working. They also control the special computerized locks that let people into buildings.
Pentagon Access and Security
The Security Services Directorate (SSD) handles passes for the Pentagon building. They also operate all the gates and barriers. These controls manage who can enter the Pentagon campus. This group also reviews requests from people who want to take pictures of the Pentagon.
Related pages
- List of United States federal law enforcement agencies
- U.S. Defense Department firefighters
