Author: United States. Government Accountability Office

Publisher:

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 47

ISBN-13:

The September 11 terrorist attacks have heightened concerns about the security of the nation's icons and parks, which millions of people visit every year. The National Park Service (Park Service) within the Department of the Interior (Interior) is responsible for securing nearly 400 park units that include icons and other parks. In 2004, GAO identified a set of key protection practices that include: allocating resources using risk management, leveraging technology, information sharing and coordination, performance measurement and testing, and strategic management of human capital. As requested, GAO determined whether the Park Service's security efforts for national icons and parks reflected key practices. To meet this objective, GAO used its key practices as criteria, reviewed five icons and parks to gain firsthand knowledge, analyzed Interior documents, and interviewed Interior officials. GAO is making six recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior. These include instructing the Park Service to develop a more comprehensive risk management approach, guidance and standards for leveraging technology, strategies to improve communications and to clearly define staff roles, and programs related to performance measurement, testing, and training.