Story perspectives

VA Consolidates 5,000 Police, Boosts Pay to Improve Security

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is consolidating its 5,000 police officers into an Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness, completed by October.
A GAO review of 30 VA facilities found only two medical detectors, one inoperable, and frequent failures to stop prohibited items.
The restructuring raises police pay to $48,000 (Government Services-6 grade), adds $5,000, and, per VA Secretary Doug Collins, aims to improve recruitment, retention, and safety.

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Story summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is consolidating its 5,000 police officers into an Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness, completed by October.
A GAO review of 30 VA facilities found only two medical detectors, one inoperable, and frequent failures to stop prohibited items.
The restructuring raises police pay to $48,000 (Government Services-6 grade), adds $5,000, and, per VA Secretary Doug Collins, aims to improve recruitment, retention, and safety.