Draft:NASA Protective Services

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NASA Protective Services

NASA Protective Services (NPS) is the fire, security and law enforcement division responsible for safeguarding the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) personnel, facilities, and assets. This specialized unit plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of NASA's diverse operations, including space exploration missions, research activities, and the protection of valuable assets.

Mission:

The primary mission of NASA Protective Services is to create a secure environment that enables the successful execution of NASA's scientific, research, and space exploration endeavors. This involves implementing comprehensive security measures, conducting risk assessments, and responding to security incidents to mitigate potential threats.

Roles and Responsibilities:

NASA Protective Services (NPS) is entrusted with a range of responsibilities to fulfill its mission such as Special Agents (SA) and Security Police Officers (SPO). Key roles include:

1. Facility Security and Policing: Security Police Officers (SPOs) within NASA Protective Services are tasked with securing NASA facilities across the country. This involves monitoring access points, implementing security protocols, and conducting regular patrols to prevent unauthorized access or security breaches.

2. Personnel Protection: Ensuring the safety of NASA personnel is a top priority. The division works collaboratively with NASA staff to establish and enforce security procedures, provide training on safety protocols, and respond promptly to incidents that may compromise personnel well-being.

3. Asset Protection: Safeguarding NASA's assets, which include cutting-edge technology, research data, and space exploration equipment, is critical. NASA Protective Services employs measures to prevent theft, vandalism, or any unauthorized interference with NASA's valuable assets.

4. Emergency Response: The division is equipped to respond swiftly to various emergencies, including incidents that may pose a threat to personnel, facilities, or assets. This involves coordinated efforts with other law enforcement agencies and emergency services.

5. Fire and Emergency: The fire department is ready for emergencies, providing rapid response to fires, technical and swift water rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and emergency medical services. This includes basic and advanced life support, along with emergency medical transportation. We ensure a comprehensive and swift approach to various situations, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all involved.

6. HazMat Response: Hazardous materials response is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides immediate response to hazardous material releases. Fire department is responsible for the containment and mitigation of any hazardous agents as well as the medical treatment of any victims at the scene of the release

7. SWAT/SRT: the need for a specialized team depends on center needs and budget. Kennedy Space Center is currently the only NASA center with a Emergency response team (ERT). JPL was in the process of creating one but due to budget limitations the team was scraped.

Training and Expertise:

Special agents and Security Police Officers within NASA Protective Services undergo specialized training from NASA Protective Services Training Academy in Kennedy Space Space Center (NPSTA) to develop the skills required for their unique responsibilities. NPSTA is a federal law enforcement academy accredited through FLETA. Training areas include crisis management, active shooter, arrest authority, de escalation, use of force, threat assessment, and collaboration with external agencies to enhance overall security capabilities. NPS Fire undergoes training through local fire academy depending on NASA centers.

Center Presence: NPS Special agents and Security Police are deployed in all centers while fire are only in select few. Centers include: NASA Headquarters, AMES Research Center, Armstrong Flight Research Center, Glenn Research Center, Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Langley Research Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, Neil Armstrong Test Facility, Stennis Space Center, Wallops Flight Facility, White Sands Test Facility

Collaboration:

NASA Protective Services collaborates closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement and fire department agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective response to security and medical challenges. This collaborative approach enhances the ability to address complex security, law and medical issues that may extend beyond NASA's immediate capabilities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, NASA Protective Services serves as a vital component in NASA's overarching mission by providing the necessary security infrastructure to protect personnel, facilities, and assets. The division's commitment to excellence contributes to the overall success and safety of NASA's endeavors in advancing space exploration and scientific discovery.

References

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https://www.nasa.gov/protective-services/

https://www.nasa.gov/protective-services-office/

https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/npg_img/N_PD_1000_003D_/OPS_May2012.pdf

https://www.fleta.gov/programacademy/protective-services-training-academy

https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2015/11/19/kennedy-emergency-response-team-hones-skills-at-annual-swat-round-up-international/