SYNOPSIS
We initiated an investigation in June 2014 based on allegations from the National Park Service (NPS) that fully automatic rifles and "flash-bang" distraction devices had been obtained by law enforcement rangers at the Mojave National Preserve (MNP), in violation of NPS policy.
Our investigation revealed that a supervisory park ranger arranged for the purchase of Colt M-4 fully automatic rifles from Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC. Between 2008 and 2010, MNP placed three orders, for a total of nine rifles. The purchase of these rifles violated NPS policy. During our interview with the supervisory park ranger, he admitted that he and a park ranger selected the Colt M-4 Model R0977 fully automatic rifle after researching different rifle models made by Colt and other manufacturers. The supervisory park ranger also admitted that once the rifles were delivered, he allowed MNP park rangers to carry them on duty for 3 years, another violation of NPS policy. In our interviews, the park rangers confirmed that they carried these weapons in fully automatic mode while on duty. In late 2013, a new chief ranger directed that the rifles be converted to operate as semi-automatic to comply with NPS policy.
We also found that the supervisory park ranger purchased 24 flash-bang distraction devices with his U.S. Government-issued purchase card. These devices were not issued to or carried on duty by the park rangers. Although NPS policy does not specifically mention such devices, it does require prior approval to purchase "Intermediate Defensive Equipment." Our investigation determined that the supervisory park ranger did not secure the required approvals for the purchase.
During our investigation, the supervisory park ranger admitted to purchasing and distributing the automatic weapons despite knowing that they violated NPS policy; admitted telling rangers who received the automatic rifles not to display them to others; and admitted to, at a minimum, not making it clear to his supervisors that the automatic weapons needed to be converted to semiautomatics. We developed evidence that he made false statements or provided misleading information to his supervisors, his subordinates, and other NPS personnel about the acquisition and use of the rifles. He also provided inconsistent and implausible statements in his responses to our questions and caused us to doubt his overall truthfulness and candor.
In addition to this report, we issued a management advisory to the NPS Director asking NPS to put in place policy and procedures for control and oversight of the purchase of tactical law enforcement equipment. NPS responded that it generally agrees with our recommendations and has taken action to strengthen policies and controls governing equipment purchases.
BACKGROUND
Chapter 30, "Firearms," of the National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Reference Manual (RM-9) requires that firearms requisitions and purchases be coordinated through the Division of Law Enforcement, Security, and Emergency Services (LESES) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). It states: "Only NPS-issued or NPS-approved firearms will be carried or worn while working under the authority of the Service." It identifies the rifles approved for use as: "M-16 series or AR-15/M-4 type .223 caliber, semi-automatic carbines identical in operator function, made by manufacturers that meet current military specifications."
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