NAGE President Holway Calls for Immediate Action on VA Police Staffing Crisis
Union demands increased staffing, improved recruitment and accountability to protect VA police officers, veterans, and employees nationwide.
October 1, 2026
National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) National President David J. Holway has formally called on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Douglas Collins to take immediate action to address the worsening staffing crisis within VA Police Services.
In a letter dated September 29, 2026, Holway outlined serious concerns about staffing shortages, excessive mandatory overtime, denied leave, and officer fatigue at VA facilities across the country. These conditions place increasing pressure on officers responsible for protecting veterans, employees, and visitors.
Despite VA leadership's commitments to strengthening its police force, officers continue to report significant staffing challenges. NAGE is demanding meaningful action to ensure officers have the resources and support necessary to perform their duties safely.
NAGE Demands Immediate Action
In his letter, President Holway called on VA leadership to take several critical steps, including:
Restore police staffing to levels consistent with operational and public safety requirements.
Immediately fill critical vacancies and implement recruitment and retention incentives.
Establish minimum staffing requirements at VA facilities nationwide.
Review mandatory overtime, denied leave, officer fatigue, and vacancy data.
Meet with NAGE representatives to develop an immediate corrective action plan.
NAGE has also requested a meeting with Secretary Collins or designated senior officials and a written response outlining the VA's planned corrective actions within 30 days of receiving the letter.
Standing Up for VA Police Officers
VA police officers play an essential role in maintaining safe environments for veterans receiving care. NAGE maintains that chronic staffing shortages cannot continue to be addressed through mandatory overtime at the expense of officer safety and well-being.
The union will continue pressing VA leadership for measurable improvements at facilities nationwide and accountability for addressing the conditions officers face.
Read President Holway's full letter to Secretary Collins here:
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