Investigative Report Concerning the Purchase of Fully Automatic Rifles and Flash-Bang Distraction Devices by NPS Park Rangers

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 nine Colt M-4 fully automatic rifles between 2008 and 2010. The purchase of these rifles violated 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.”

 

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 not making it clear to his supervisors that the automatic weapons needed to be converted to semi-automatics. 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 special agent’s 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.