Page Hero

ABOUT PFPA

Agency Overview

The Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) is the premier civilian defense agency tasked with protecting the people, facilities, and infrastructure of the Department of War within the National Capital Region. As the primary security force for the Pentagon Reservation, PFPA provides 24/7 protection against a full spectrum of threats. Our workforce is composed of highly trained law enforcement officers, counterintelligence agents, and technical specialists dedicated to ensuring the operational continuity of the nation's military nerve center. The most visible element of our force is the Pentagon Police. These officers are the first line of defense, responsible for patrol, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigations. Beyond standard policing, our tactical units, including the Hazardous Devices Division (Bomb Squad) and specialized K-9 teams, are trained to detect and neutralize explosives and other dangerous contraband.

PFPA’s current role is the result of decades of security evolution. While we trace our roots to the post-WWII GSA Special Policemen, the pivotal shift occurred on May 3, 2002. Created in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, PFPA replaced the property-focused Defense Protective Service (DPS) with a proactive, intelligence-driven agency. This transition turned the agency into a specialized shield, capable of defending against cyber, physical, and hazardous threats in an increasingly complex world.
 

Our Mission & Values

At the heart of PFPA is our mission: Protecting Those Who Protect Our Nation. We are guided by a vision of "Excellence in Force Protection," which is realized through our core values of Integrity, Vigilance, and Service. These principles ensure that every member of the agency, from the police on patrol to the analysts in the operations center, remains committed to the highest standards of federal service.
 

Area of Responsibility

PFPA’s jurisdiction extends across nearly 280 acres of the Pentagon grounds and dozens of leased and owned DoW facilities throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. This unique environment requires a multi-jurisdictional approach, where we work alongside local and federal partners to manage access control, criminal investigations, and emergency response for a daily population of over 25,000 military and civilian personnel.

More Than a Job: Protecting the Pentagon with the Force Protection Agency.

Pentagon police officer with full gear and body-worn camera
Pentagon police officer with full gear and body-worn camera.