Congresswoman Jen Kiggans Introduces Legislation to Support Law Enforcement and Improve VA Safety

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) has introduced the VA Medical Security Report Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation aimed at ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs' police force and its officers have the resources they need to maintain safety and security at VA medical centers. The bill is co-sponsored by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and has been endorsed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE).

Key Takeaways:

  • The VA Medical Security Report Act of 2023 requires VA leadership to provide reports to Congress over the next five years, detailing the health of VA police forces and security at VA Medical Centers, including staffing vacancies, security weaknesses, and data on criminal activities, training, vacancies, and security weaknesses.
  • The reports will include input from police leaders on the ground and will be shared with Congress to improve oversight over the VA Police force.
  • The legislation aims to equip Congress with the information needed to address the increase in crime at VA medical centers and provide veterans with a safe environment to receive healthcare.
  • The number of violent crimes committed at VA medical facilities increased from 3,141 in FY 2018 to 6,505 in FY 2021, despite a 25-50% decrease in the number of people at these facilities between FY 2020 and FY 2021.
  • The VA operates 144 police units at VA medical centers, consisting of approximately 3,700 officers and 430 chiefs of police, deputy chiefs of police, and physical security specialists.
  • The preliminary staffing model proposed by the VA during the 117th Congress suggests increasing the security force to as many as 5,640 officers and 524 chiefs of police, deputy chiefs of police, and physical security specialists.

Statistics:

  • 3,141: The number of violent crimes committed at VA medical facilities in FY 2018.
  • 6,505: The number of violent crimes committed at VA medical facilities in FY 2021.
  • 25-50%: The decrease in the number of people at VA medical facilities between FY 2020 and FY 2021.
  • 144: The number of police units operating at VA medical centers.
  • 3,700: The approximate number of officers working at VA medical centers.
  • 430: The approximate number of chiefs of police, deputy chiefs of police, and physical security specialists working at VA medical centers.
  • 5,640: The proposed number of officers in the security force suggested by the VA's preliminary staffing model.
  • 524: The proposed number of chiefs of police, deputy chiefs of police, and physical security specialists suggested by the VA's preliminary staffing model.

Sources:

  • Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia, "Kiggans Introduces Legislation to Support Law Enforcement and Improve VA Safety"
  • Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, "VA Medical Security Report Act of 2023"
  • American Federation of Government Employees, "AFGE and NVAC Endorse VA Medical Center Security Reporting Act"
  • National Federation of Federal Employees, "NFFE Commends Reps. Kiggans and Pappas for Introducing VA Medical Security Report Act"