DHS deputy secretary Michael Jackson said the plan would result in a more streamlined, effective and well-trained workforce.
He insisted that the first line of security at federal facilities would not diminish, and that services offered through a contract guard force would be strengthened with an emphasis on an inspector workforce and a strong contract guard program.
Jackson also stated that personnel adjustments would be handled to improve opportunities for employees and improving customer service, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is employing strategies to align the workforce including voluntary early retirement authority.
The number of FPS officers deployed in Washington D.C. has dropped by about 75 percent in the past few years. In December the agency cited a shortage of funds and stabilized attrition rates as the reasoning behind its decision to discontinue group retention allowances for law enforcement personnel at the GS-4 through GS-12 levels.
In announcing that decision, FPS said it would be looking into a variety of management tools to resolve funding shortfalls.
Jackson said ICE and FPS would try to provide opportunities for employees to move into new positions, as well as developmental opportunities, such as being able to train for new roles within FPS, ICE and DHS, and create greater career mobility within DHS.
