Return to Article: Park police chief alleges systematic harassment
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10816
First off it is not like announcing that the park police having a budget or personnel shortage is classified material. Almost all law enforcement departments in this country, whether federal, state, county, or municipal, could use more officers. This is not classified information, everyone knows it. So instead of wasting more taxpayer money on a long drawn out legal battle, money which could be used to hire more officers, do the right thing and re-instate Chambers. Second, who appointes people like Deputy Director Murphy, how idiotic is it to have someone fired for announcing known info, and also then releasing a memo stating that employees will not be fired for doing the same things that she is accussed of doing, oh wait......I just remembered who appoints people like this....and are we in trouble.
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2985
I read the Washington Post articles and it is apparent that Chief Chambers DID NOT LOBBY Congress nor did she disclose budget information of the type included in the budget proposal.
She did comment on questions that face every federal manager pertaining to federal agencies' ability and capacity to serve the public to the level that the public wants service while facing continally downward trending budgets and the "smaller" federal workforce. It's that old Catch-22... Everyone wants a smaller federal government, but that means fewer employees, less service, and a public that now wants better service. Can't have it both ways.
Chief Chambers is faced with an NPS leadership that doesn't like anyone to go against their sometimes irresponsible directions. I've been there, I know what she's faced, and I applaud her for using her rights to stand up for the truth and to fight the injustice of the NPS leadership (Murphy, Deputy Director, and Mainella, Director NPS) Hopefully, the administration (President, whoever that might be) does the right thing and replaces the political appointees with some career NPS managers that will do their job and bring back the NPS to the outstanding organization that it once was.
FORMER NPS EMPLOYEE
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2962
I thought it was illegal for federal employees to lobby congress (i.e. for their programs) and to give information out on an agency's budget before submission by the Executive Branch to Congress? After the President submits his budget and Congress asks questions, then it is ok to talk to Congress, that is the legal process. Sounds like she broke the law and is now claiming discrimination or that the two items should not be linked.
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2946
"Just wait until they pull the trigger and if the bullet hits we will then ask why they shot her."
This is an example of the logic that many of our elected officials seem to be taking regarding the suspension and recommended termination of US Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers. For the life of me I cannot understand why they fear involving themselves in this horrific miscarriage of justice. Chief Chambers' case is fraught with Constitutional implications and general mistreatment. All of this is occurring right under the noses of our lawmakers and in the very city which houses the US Constitution and Supreme Court. There are a few leaders, mostly democrats, who have shown leadership by either voicing support for Chief Chambers or have sent letters of inquiry regarding her case. The White House and most republicans have completely ignored any plea to intervene. This should not be a partisan matter, but one about honesty and integrity in government.
The US Park Police Chief is a high profile federal employee who on any given day will interact with congressional staff members, provide security for the President of the United States and other VIPs, and administer protection for the many national icons around the nation's capital. If someone like this can be placed under a gag order, suspended in an unwarranted and humiliating manner, and then recommended for termination by a supervisor against whom she filed a harassment complaint, how can anyone in federal employ be safe? Once again, this is unfolding right under the noses of those who make the laws to prevent such things.
This is not a private matter! The facts are out there for all to view. There is no excuse for anyone not to know that this is happening. It would be really be inspirational for our leaders to show some courage and intervene and not wait until the NPS "fires the final fatal shot at the messenger."
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2918
Retaliation against an employee for filing a complaint against your immediate supervisor is against the law. Park Service officials should be held accountable for violating the law. This (retaliation) happens far too often when officials want to "shut you up" for rocking the boat. Chief Teresa Chambers should be reinstated and Deputy Director Murphy removed from his position for taking an unlawful action against an employee.
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2882
Another example of a federal manager run amok. When are federal managers going to learn that they are not kings and queens, and that this is not their personal government to do as they please? Since joining the feds in 1987, I have yet to have a manager that I respect, one who is knowledgable, fair, and effective. Thank goodness we have the courts and other means to enforce our rights as employees.
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2845
Nice article on alleged whistleblower retaliation against the Park Service police chief. It is worth noting that nobody in the Departments of Homeland Security or Defense has the appeal rights that the chief enjoys, due to personnel system changes.
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2834
I do not believe the issue is as simplistic as the "Fed Manager" put it. Since recent news indicates Chief Chambers filed a greivance against Dep Director Murphy three days or so prior to Murphy suspending the Chief, there seems to be a clear case of unlawful retaliation on Murphy's part.
The methods used in this matter indicate extremely poor supervisory skills. All of the items mentioned so far do not add up to the kind of problem that requires public exposure, or firing of a high level professional like Ms. Chambers. This sequence of events does not reflect well on the management of the NPS. Why couldn't these conflicts have been resolved in a civil manner outside the public arena?
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2831
Looks like a clear case.
Supervisor gave employee instructions. Employee ignored orders and decided to go her own way, drumming up support from others. Now she faces disciplinary actions.
Ms. Chambers should have learned this well before now. Airing out your dirty laundry in the Washington D.C. Mall is not a very good idea!
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2815
This entire mess is getting ridiculous! The decision is very simple (don't make a federal case out of it). Fire Murphy and reinstate Chambers. What is so hard?
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