Larger Task Lies Ahead on Law Officer Systems

A report last year from the Office of Personnel Management highlighted the difficult task of sorting out the varying policies for law enforcement personnel in various agencies, an issue that is especially acute at the Department of Homeland Security, which took over law enforcement functions, including customs and border patrol responsibilities, from numerous predecessor agencies on its formation two years ago. In a statement of its plans for the current Congress, the House Government Reform Committee said it will consider legislation that would establish a new human resources management system for law enforcement officers. The committee said it expects to push legislation to “provide a common framework that is contemporary and flexible; provides for consistent treatment of similarly situated law enforcement personnel; and responds to individual agency needs where warranted.”