Visitors may enter federal facilities, including Disaster Recovery Centers, the Joint Field Office, Branch offices and other locations that are open to the public. When federal employees interact with visitors, be aware of the following.
- Visitors may not be disruptive or threatening.
- They may not intrude on others’ privacy, photograph or take video of disaster survivors without consent, film or record in non-public spaces. In these circumstances, the visitor may be asked to leave.
- Everyone has a right to photograph, film or record government facilities and employees in publicly accessible locations.
- Visitors may ask employees who they are or who is their supervisor. Employees do not have to respond.
- Federal employees are reminded not to touch, demand ID, restrain or detain or seize equipment or personal items. Be professional and considerate in interactions with the public. If you have a question about appropriate behavior, consult your supervisor.
Law Enforcement Personnel
The following is the standard operational policy concerning Law Enforcement response/visits to FEMA facilities:
Law enforcement personnel conducting official business may enter any FEMA facility with their government issued firearm under the following conditions:
- In official uniform
- In plain clothes if they have identified themselves with official credentials to the guard
Special Exception for DR-4734
Active law enforcement will be allowed to access DRC facilities while in uniform with their duty weapons to obtain survivor assistance. No armed personnel, with the exception of the Armed (on duty) FEMA Security personnel are allowed to bring weapons into the facilities outside of their official duties, other than notated above in the Special Exception. Please refer to the weapons posters and policy that are at the access points to each facility.