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{{Organization
|OrganizationName=United States Capitol Police
|OrganizationType=Independent Agencies
|Mission=To protect the Congress, its Members, employees, visitors, and facilities so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment. They are committed to providing a secure environment that fosters the legislative process.
|ParentOrganization=United States Congress
|CreationLegislation=Act of May 2, 1828
|Employees=2400
|Budget=$460 million (approximate, based on recent years)
|OrganizationExecutive=Chief of Police
|Services=Security of the Capitol Complex; Member protection; threat assessment; criminal investigations; traffic enforcement;
|Regulations=Responsible for enforcing laws within their jurisdiction but not for regulatory oversight
|HeadquartersLocation=38.89446, -77.00472
|HeadquartersAddress=119 D St NE, Washington, DC 20510
|Website=https://www.uscp.gov
}}
{{short description|Police agency protecting the U.S. Congress}}

The '''United States Capitol Police''' ('''USCP''') is a [[federal law enforcement in the United States|federal law enforcement agency in the United States]] with nationwide jurisdiction charged with protecting the [[United States Congress]] within the [[District of Columbia]] and throughout the [[United States]] and [[United States territories|its territories]]. It answers to the Capitol Police Board and is the only full-service federal law enforcement agency appointed by the [[legislative branch]] of the [[federal government of the United States]].

The United States Capitol Police has the primary responsibility for protecting life and property, preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal acts, and enforcing traffic regulations throughout a complex of congressional buildings, parks, and thoroughfares. The Capitol Police has primary jurisdiction within buildings and grounds of the [[United States Capitol Complex]]. It also has [[concurrent jurisdiction]] with other [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement agencies]], including the [[United States Park Police]] and the [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia]], in an area of approximately 200 blocks around the complex. Officers also have jurisdiction throughout the District of Columbia to take enforcement action when they observe or are made aware of crimes of violence while on official duties. 

Additionally, they are charged with the protection of [[Member of Congress|members of Congress]], officers of Congress, and their families throughout the entire United States, its territories and possessions, and the District of Columbia. While performing protective functions, the Capitol Police have jurisdiction throughout the entire United States.<ref name="2 USC 1966 (c)">{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/2/1966 |title=2 U.S. Code § 1966 – Protection of Members of Congress, officers of Congress, and members of their families |via=law.cornell.edu |access-date=2017-06-27 |archive-date=2019-12-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227153509/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/2/1966 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is informally considered as the sister agency of the [[United States Secret Service Uniformed Division|United States Secret Service]], which itself is responsible for the protection of the [[Cabinet of the United States|United States president and their Cabinet.]]

== Jurisdiction and budget ==
In the early 1980s, the protective mandates and jurisdictions of the U.S. Capitol Police were substantially expanded to allow them to protect legislators away from their normal jurisdictions in response to the growing risk and threats faced by legislators and the growing institutionalization of Congress.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Capitol Police and Supreme Court Police: Expanding Their Protective Mandates and Jurisdictions {{!}} Office of Justice Programs |url=https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/us-capitol-police-and-supreme-court-police-expanding-their |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=www.ojp.gov}}</ref>

U.S. Code, Title 2, Chapter 29 defines the powers and duties of the U.S. Capitol Police. The U.S. Capitol Police has the authority to enforce the laws of the United States in any area of the United States and has the power to effect warrantless arrests for any offense against the United States committed in their presence, or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States upon probable cause, in the performance of their protective duties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2 U.S. Code Subchapter II - POWERS AND DUTIES |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/2/chapter-29/subchapter-II |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=LII / Legal Information Institute |language=en}}</ref> Qualified members of the U.S. Capitol Police may also travel outside of the United States when performing security advisory and liaison functions for congressional travel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2 U.S. Code § 1975 - Overseas travel |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/2/1975 |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=LII / Legal Information Institute |language=en}}</ref>

The primary jurisdiction of the United States Capitol Police centers on the [[United States Capitol]] building in [[Washington, D.C.]], the adjacent congressional [[Congressional office buildings|(House and Senate) offices]], and the [[Library of Congress]] buildings. This primary jurisdiction is about {{convert|270|acres|mi2+km2}}, with about {{convert|58|acres|mi2+km2}} being the Capitol grounds themselves.<ref name="Graff">{{Cite news |last=Graff |first=Garrett M. |date=2021-01-08 |title=Behind the Strategic Failure of the Capitol Police |language=en |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/01/08/capitol-police-failure-456237 |work=[[Politico]] |access-date=2021-01-08 |archive-date=2021-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111174235/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/01/08/capitol-police-failure-456237 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The U.S. Capitol Police has also concurrent jurisdiction with the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the U.S. Park Police, the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division, and others federal agencies to enforce District of Columbia laws, based upon cooperative agreements with MPD and the [[District of Columbia Police Coordination Amendment Act of 2001 | Police Coordination Act]] covering local cooperation with 32 federal law enforcement agencies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cooperative Agreements {{!}} mpdc |url=https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/cooperative-agreements |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=mpdc.dc.gov}}</ref>

[[File:U.S. Capitol Police vehicle within the "soft" security perimeter of the 2024 RNC IMG 5406 (2).jpg|thumb|USCP vehicle in [[Milwaukee]] during the [[2024 Republican National Convention]]. Capitol police are involved in security during [[United States presidential nominating convention|presidential nominating conventions]].]]
 
The U.S. Capitol Police also have extended jurisdiction over parts of Northeast, Northwest, and Southwest Washington D.C.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://firstbranchforecast.com/2019/08/07/the-long-arm-of-the-u-s-capitol-police/|title=The Long Arm of the U.S. Capitol Police|date=August 7, 2019|work=First Branch Forecast|access-date=March 7, 2021|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225140635/https://firstbranchforecast.com/2019/08/07/the-long-arm-of-the-u-s-capitol-police/|url-status=live}}{{better source needed|date=July 2021}}</ref> The USCP provides protection detail to [[United States House of Representatives|House]] and [[United States|Senate]] leaders, other congressmen and -women depending on individual risk analysis, lawmakers' state and [[List of United States congressional districts|district]] offices (with the help of local police), and "off-campus" events such as [[United States presidential nominating convention|presidential nominating conventions]].<ref name="CRS1" />

Four congressional committees have statutory [[Congressional oversight|oversight]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/oversight/congressional-committees|title=Congressional Committees|date=June 17, 2016|website=United States Capitol Police|access-date=January 10, 2021|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202213008/https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/oversight/congressional-committees|url-status=live}}</ref> The authority of the Police Chief is, in many ways, restrained. The Capitol Police chief reports to the Capitol Police Board, a three-person group composed of the Senate and House Sergeants at Arms and the Architect of the Capitol.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Whitney Wild|title=Insurrection fallout: The hunt for a new US Capitol Police Chief|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/05/politics/us-capitol-police-chief-search/index.html|access-date=2021-05-06|website=CNN|date=5 May 2021 |archive-date=2021-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505225215/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/05/politics/us-capitol-police-chief-search/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The chief is “whipsawed between partisan politicians and career professionals like the two Sergeants at Arms and congressional staff...here they literally have hundreds of people who think they're their bosses."<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title=Insurrection fallout: The hunt for a new US Capitol Police Chief|url=https://www.weny.com/story/43828740/insurrection-fallout-the-hunt-for-a-new-us-capitol-police-chief|access-date=2021-05-06|website=www.weny.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507173422/https://www.weny.com/story/43828740/insurrection-fallout-the-hunt-for-a-new-us-capitol-police-chief|url-status=dead}}</ref> The pay for the USCP Chief is far less than many police chiefs in the US.<ref name="auto1"/>

In FY 2021, the USCP had an annual budget of more than $515{{nbs}}million;<ref name=CRS1/> it employs more than 2,000 sworn and civilian personnel, making it one of the most well-funded and well-staffed police departments relative to the two square miles it guards.<ref name=Graff/> USCP's budget is divided into a salaries account, used for overtime and benefits, and a general expenses account, used for equipment, vehicles, communications, training, medical services, forensic services, etc. USCP cannot transfer money between the accounts without the approval the [[United States House Committee on Appropriations|House]] and [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate Appropriations Committees]].<ref name=CRS1/><ref name="Congress"/>

In FY 2022, USCP's annual budget was $602 million.

In FY 2023, USCP's annual budget will increase to $708 million to provide resources to fulfill security recommendations as suggested by the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Inspector General after the January 6th attacks on the Capitol.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-14 |title=Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2023 Legislative Branch Funding Bill |url=https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-committee-releases-fiscal-year-2023-legislative-branch-funding |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=House Committee on Appropriations |language=en}}</ref>

== Training ==
U.S. Capitol Police officers attend training at the Capitol Police Training Academy in [[Cheltenham, Maryland]] and is one of many agencies that sends its recruits to the [[Federal Law Enforcement Training Center]] (FLETC), located in [[Glynco, Georgia]], for initial training. Rarely, recruits are sent to the FLETC location in [[Artesia, New Mexico]]. 

Following 12 weeks at FLETC, recruits return to FLETC's location in Cheltenham, for an additional 13 weeks of training. After the recruits' academy training, graduates are sworn in as law enforcement officers and assigned to one of four divisions to begin their careers. Once assigned, officers are assigned a Field Training Officer (FTO) for a definite period to provide additional on-the-job training. FTOs provide weekly updates on the subjects that have been learned and issue tests to the new officers. 

[[File:USCP swear-in ceremony.jpg|thumb|Swear-in graduation ceremony from an Academy class]]

Officers are also subject to a one-year probationary period. Initial salary at the start of training is $73,852.00, with an increase to $77,543.00 after graduation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-07-26 |title=Police Officer Salaries & Benefits |url=https://www.uscp.gov/careers/police-officer-salary-benefits |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=United States Capitol Police |language=en}}</ref> After 30 months of satisfactory performance, officers are eligible for promotion to [[private first class]] (PFC).<ref name="United States Capitol Police FAQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/faq.php|title=Frequently Asked Questions|date=25 July 2016|website=United States Capitol Police|access-date=11 January 2011|archive-date=28 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728001912/http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/faq.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

USCP Officers and Special Agents are covered under the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) enhanced retirement provisions under the Civil Service Retirement (CSRS), which covers federal employees hired before 1984, or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), which covers employees hired in 1984 or later.  Similar to other Federal LEOs covered under those enhanced retirement provisions (e.g., [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]], [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]], [[United States Marshals Service|U.S. Marshals]], [[United States Secret Service|U.S. Secret Service]], [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement|ICE]], [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|Border Patrol]]), USCP officers and special agents are subject to mandatory retirement at age 57, or as soon as 20 years of service have been completed after age 57.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Retirement Benefits for Federal Law Enforcement Personnel |url=https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R42631.html |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=www.everycrsreport.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Specialized bureaus and units ==
The U.S. Capitol Police is organized into bureaus and offices that report to each of the executive team members.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-16 |title=Bureaus and Offices |url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/bureaus-and-offices |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=United States Capitol Police |language=en}}</ref>

USCP contains several specialty units and assignments offering expert training.  These specialty units are within the Uniformed Services Bureau, the Protective Services Bureau, the Operational Services Bureau, and the Mission Assurance Bureau:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-07-26 |title=USCP Police Officer Opportunities for Professional Growth |url=https://www.uscp.gov/careers/uscp-police-officer-opportunities-professional-growth |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=United States Capitol Police |language=en}}</ref>

=== Uniformed Services Bureau (USB) ===

* Long-Gun Certified Officers
* Mountain Bike Unit
* Motorcycle Unit
* Civil Disturbance Unit

=== Protective Services Bureau (PSB) ===

* Criminal Investigation
* Intelligence Unit
* Threat Assessment Unit
* Dignitary Protection Unit
* Liaison and Taskforces with Partner Agencies

=== Operational Services Bureau (OSB) ===

* Special Operations Division
* Containment Emergency Response Team (SWAT Team)
* Motorcycle/Motorcade Operations
* K-9 Unit
* Crash Investigation
* Criminal Interdiction
* Drug Recognition Experts
* Hazardous Devices Section
* Hazardous Material Response Team

== Leadership ==
[[File:Chief Tom Manger USCP.jpg|thumb|left|J. Thomas Manger, USCP Chief]]
Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §1901, the U.S. Capitol Police is headed by a chief who is appointed and reports to the Capitol Police Board following a highly selective process.<ref name="Congress">{{cite web |title=The U.S. Capitol Police: Brief Background |url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11570 |website=Congressional Research Service |access-date=6 September 2022}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

[[J. Thomas Manger]] was sworn in as chief of the U.S. Capitol Police on July 23, 2021. Previously, [[Yogananda Pittman]] served as the acting chief of police and concurrently as the assistant chief of police for protective and intelligence operations from January 8, 2021, until Chief Manger was sworn in.<ref name="Congress"/>

Previous chiefs include the following:
* [[Terrance W. Gainer]], appointed in June 2002
* Phillip D. Morse Sr., appointed on October 30, 2006
* Kim Dine, appointed on December 17, 2012
* Matthew R. Verderosa, appointed on March 20, 2016
* [[Steven Sund]], appointed on June 13, 2019

=== Capitol Police Board ===
The Capitol Police Board is the body that governs the United States Capitol Police. It was established in 1873,<ref name="United States Capitol Police -- History">{{cite web |title=History |url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/our-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123230632/https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/our-history |archive-date=2016-11-23 |access-date=January 19, 2020 |website=United States Capitol Police|date=16 June 2016 }}</ref> and today consists of three voting members: the [[Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives|sergeant at arms of the United States House of Representatives]], the [[Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate|sergeant at arms of the United States Senate]], and the [[architect of the Capitol]]. Additionally, the chief of the Capitol Police serves ex officio as a non-voting member.<ref name="United States Capitol Police web site">{{cite web |title=Capitol Police Board |url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/oversight/capitol-police-board |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318114538/https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/oversight/capitol-police-board |archive-date=2020-03-18 |access-date=January 19, 2020 |website=United States Capitol Police}}</ref> The chairmanship of the board alternates annually between the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms.<ref name="United States Capitol Police web site" />

The board, like Congress, is not subject to [[Freedom of Information Act (United States)|freedom of information]] laws, and the [[Office of Inspector General (United States)|inspector general]] of the board does not publish their findings and reports to the board who retains their employment.<ref>[https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/office-inspector-general Office of Inspector General website] Retrieved 20 February 2022.</ref><ref>Sarah D. Wire. (17 February 2022). "Watchdog says Capitol Police need training, culture shift a year after Jan. 6 attack". [https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2022-02-17/capitol-police-made-few-post-jan-6-recommended-changes-watchdog-to-testify LA Times website] Retrieved 20 February 2022.</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Capitol police officers in 1940 - LCCN2016877615 (cropped).tif|thumb|left|upright=0.6|USCP officers in 1940]]
The history of the United States Capitol Police dates back to 1801 when Congress moved from the city of [[Philadelphia]] to the newly constructed [[United States Capitol|Capitol Building]] in Washington, D.C. At the time, Congress appointed one watchman to protect the building and Congressional property.

The police were formally created by Congress in 1828 following the assault on [[John Adams II]], the son of [[John Quincy Adams]], in the [[United States Capitol rotunda|Capitol rotunda]]. The United States Capitol Police had as its original duty the provision of security for the [[United States Capitol]].<ref>{{cite web
 |url          = http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI51.asp
 |title        = United States Capitol Police
 |access-date  = 2007-08-19
 |work         = USA JOBS
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070807145312/http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI51.asp
 |archive-date = 2007-08-07
 |url-status   = dead
}}</ref>

Its mission has expanded to provide the congressional community and its visitors with a variety of security services. These services are provided through the use of a variety of specialty support units, a network of foot and vehicular patrols, fixed posts, a full-time Containment and Emergency Response Team (CERT), [[Police dog|K-9]], a Patrol/Mobile Response Division and a full-time Hazardous Devices and Hazardous Materials Sections.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.specwarnet.net/taclink/Police/WA_DC_Capital_Police_CERT.htm
|title = United States Capitol Police Containment & Emergency Response Team
|access-date = 2007-08-19
|archive-date = 2012-02-04
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120204192150/http://www.specwarnet.net/taclink/Police/WA_DC_Capital_Police_CERT.htm
|url-status = live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/home.php
|title = Wear the Badge, Feel the Honor
|access-date = 2007-08-19
|work = United States Capitol Police
|archive-date = 2009-09-03
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090903101156/http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/home.php
|url-status = live
}}</ref>

In 1979, the Capitol Police got a separate chief of police; the role had previously been filled by officers of the [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia|Metropolitan Police Department]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/our-history|title=Our History|author=<!--not stated-->|website=United States Capitol Police|date=16 June 2016|access-date=January 14, 2021|archive-date=23 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123230632/https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/our-history|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/5928204/capitol-police-mob-attack/ |title=Accusations of Bias, Racism Swirl Around Capitol Police After Mob Attack |last1=Dozier |first1=Kimberly |last2=Chan |first2=Melissa |date=January 8, 2021 |magazine=[[TIME]] |access-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201232758/https://time.com/5928204/capitol-police-mob-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2005 Congress established the United States Capitol Police (USCP) Office of Inspector General (OIG) as a [[Office of Inspector General (United States)#Legislative agency inspectors general|legislative agency]]. The inspector general heads OIG, supervises and conducts audits, inspections, and investigations involving USCP programs, functions, systems, and operations, and reports directly to the Capitol Police Board.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/office-inspector-general|title=Office of Inspector General|date=June 16, 2016|website=United States Capitol Police|access-date=January 10, 2021|archive-date=February 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219162755/https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/office-inspector-general|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Library of Congress Police]] were merged into the force in 2009.<ref>[http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:hj2enr.txt.pdf Public Law 108-7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207115138/http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:hj2enr.txt.pdf |date=2010-12-07 }} Sec. 1015 (117 Stat. 363) enacted by U.S. Congress on February 20, 2003; all sections under Title{{nbs}}2 ([https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/2/167 §{{nbs}}167 and §{{nbs}}167h] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303000632/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/2/167 |date=2021-03-03 }}) of the U.S. Code that pertains to the Library of Congress Police was transferred to the U.S. Capitol Police.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/our-history |title=Our History |author=<!--not stated--> |date=<!--not stated--> |website=United States Capitol Police |access-date=August 9, 2018 |quote=[T]he historic merger with the Library of Congress Police in 2009 |archive-date=November 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123230632/https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/our-history |url-status=live }}</ref>

Prior to 2021, four Capitol police officers had died in the line of duty.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2016-06-16|title=USCP FAST FACTS|url=https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/uscp-fast-facts|access-date=2021-01-09|website=United States Capitol Police|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226081158/https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/uscp-fast-facts|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 1998 shooting at the Capitol ===
{{Main|1998 United States Capitol shooting}}

On July 24, 1998, a shooting occurred at a security checkpoint inside the Capitol,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Linton|first=Caroline|date=11 January 2021|title=Capitol Police officer who responded to attack has died|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/howard-liebengood-dies-capitol-police-officer-riots/|access-date=2021-01-11|website=[[CBS News]]|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202133145/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/howard-liebengood-dies-capitol-police-officer-riots/|url-status=live}}</ref> killing one U.S. Capitol police officer. Another Capitol Police officer was killed when the assailant entered [[Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives|Majority Whip]] [[Tom DeLay]]'s ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]-[[Texas's 22nd congressional district|TX-22]]) office.

=== Racial discrimination ===
Since 2001, more than 250 Black officers have sued the Capitol Police over allegations of racism. After the 2021 storming of the Capitol by a pro-[[Donald Trump|Trump]] mob, several Capitol police were suspended for possible complicity with the insurrectionists.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Sapien|first=Joshua Kaplan, Joaquin|title="No One Took Us Seriously": Black Cops Warned About Racist Capitol Police Officers for Years|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/no-one-took-us-seriously-black-cops-warned-about-racist-capitol-police-officers-for-years|access-date=2021-01-14|website=ProPublica|date=14 January 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303181025/https://www.propublica.org/article/no-one-took-us-seriously-black-cops-warned-about-racist-capitol-police-officers-for-years|url-status=live}}</ref>

Even though Washington, D.C. is 46% Black, only 32.5% of the Capitol Police is. This is in contrast to the Metropolitan Police Department (for D.C.), which is 52% Black.<ref name=":3" /> (However, this 32.5% is higher than both the 24.8% rate in the wider metro DC/MD/VA area and the 12.3% in the country.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.uscp.gov/sites/uscapitolpolice.house.gov/files/USCP%20Equity%20Inclusion%20Strategic%20Plan_Final%20May%2011.pdf |title=United States Capitol Police Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan, FY23-FY26|date=2023 |publisher=United States Capitol Police |page=8 |docket= |quote= |author-link= |access-date=}}</ref>)

=== January 6 Capitol attack ===
{{main|January 6 United States Capitol attack}}

[[File:210225-D-WD757-1048 (50980485153).jpg|thumb|Officer stands guard in 2021]]
At a rally in Washington on January 6, 2021, Trump's lawyer [[Rudy Giuliani]] called for "[[trial by combat]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/rudy-giuliani-called-for-trial-by-combat-before-trump-supporters-stormed-the-capitol/articleshow/80154832.cms|title=Rudy Giuliani called for 'trial by combat' before Trump supporters stormed the Capitol|website=Business Insider|access-date=2021-01-08|archive-date=2021-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110114923/https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/rudy-giuliani-called-for-trial-by-combat-before-trump-supporters-stormed-the-capitol/articleshow/80154832.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Trump encouraged his supporters to "fight like hell" and "take back our country", and asked his supporters to march to the US Capitol.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=McCarthy|first1=Tom|last2=Ho|first2=Vivian|last3=Greve|first3=Joan E.|date=January 7, 2021|title=Schumer calls pro-Trump mob 'domestic terrorists' as Senate resumes election certification – live|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2021/jan/06/georgia-election-latest-news-senate-ossoff-warnock-democrats-republicans-trump-biden|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106230506/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2021/jan/06/georgia-election-latest-news-senate-ossoff-warnock-democrats-republicans-trump-biden|archive-date=January 6, 2021|access-date=January 6, 2021|website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref name="BG">{{Cite web|title=Before mob stormed US Capitol, Trump told them to 'fight like hell'|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/06/metro/heres-what-trump-told-his-supporters-before-many-them-stormed-capitol-wednesday/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210107014042/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/06/metro/heres-what-trump-told-his-supporters-before-many-them-stormed-capitol-wednesday/|archive-date=January 7, 2021|access-date=January 7, 2021|work=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref> Eventually the building was easily stormed with little resistance.<ref name="BarrettEtAl">{{Cite web|author1=Ted Barrett |author2=Manu Raju |author3=Peter Nickeas |title=Pro-Trump mob storms US Capitol as armed standoff takes place outside House chamber|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/politics/us-capitol-lockdown/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106211203/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/politics/us-capitol-lockdown/index.html|archive-date=January 6, 2021|access-date=January 6, 2021|website=CNN|date=6 January 2021 }}</ref> Congress was in session at the time, conducting the [[2021 United States Electoral College vote count|Electoral College vote count]] and debating the results of the vote.

The rioters breached barricades erected by Capitol Police around the Capitol. Ultimately, one unarmed woman, [[Ashli Babbitt]], was fatally shot by a USCP officer when she attempted to climb through a shattered window in a barricaded door, and three other rioters died in medical emergencies.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Gurman|first=Aruna Viswanatha and Sadie|date=2021-01-07|title=Capitol Police Weren't Prepared for Rioters, Authorities Say|language=en-US|work=[[Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/capitol-police-werent-prepared-for-rioters-authorities-say-11609978798|url-status=live|access-date=2021-01-07|archive-date=2021-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108020800/https://www.wsj.com/articles/capitol-police-werent-prepared-for-rioters-authorities-say-11609978798}}</ref><ref name="fox5dc">{{cite news |url= https://www.fox5dc.com/news/u-s-capitol-police-issue-statement-on-pro-trump-riots |title= U.S. Capitol Police issue statement on pro-Trump riots |website= [[Fox 5 DC]] |date= 2021-01-07 |access-date= 2021-01-07 |archive-date= 2021-01-28 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210128185136/https://www.fox5dc.com/news/u-s-capitol-police-issue-statement-on-pro-trump-riots |url-status= live }}</ref> One USCP police officer was also injured during the attack, with another officer who responded to the attack dying off-duty days later.<ref>{{cite web |last1=United States Capitol Police |title=Loss of USCP Officer Brian D. Sicknick |url=https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases/loss-uscp-colleague-brian-d-sicknick |website=United States Capitol Police |access-date=8 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108061821/https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases/loss-uscp-colleague-brian-d-sicknick |archive-date=8 January 2021 |date=7 January 2021}}</ref><ref name="PGDED">{{Cite web|title=Police Confirm Death Of Officer Injured During Attack On Capitol|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/congress-electoral-college-tally-live-updates/2021/01/07/954333542/four-dead-police-injured-dozens-arrested-after-siege-at-the-u-s-capitol|access-date=2021-01-08|website=[[NPR]]|date=7 January 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108020624/https://www.npr.org/sections/congress-electoral-college-tally-live-updates/2021/01/07/954333542/four-dead-police-injured-dozens-arrested-after-siege-at-the-u-s-capitol|url-status=live|last1=Diaz |first1=Jaclyn |last2=Chappell |first2=Bill |last3=Moore |first3=Elena }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/insurrection-at-the-capitol/2021/01/10/955461525/capitol-police-officer-who-responded-to-mob-attack-dies-off-duty |title=Capitol Police Officer Who Responded To Mob Attack Dies Off Duty |website=[[NPR]] |date=10 January 2021 |last1=Sprunt |first1=Barbara |last2=Wise |first2=Alana |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=4 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304070236/https://www.npr.org/sections/insurrection-at-the-capitol/2021/01/10/955461525/capitol-police-officer-who-responded-to-mob-attack-dies-off-duty |url-status=live }}</ref> More than fifty USCP and [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia|MPD]] officers were injured during the attack, and several USCP officers were hospitalized with serious injuries.<ref name="fox5dc" />

Federal authorities said they were not prepared for the unrest; however, far-right pro-Trump supporters had organized the unrest on pro-Trump [[far-right]] [[social media]] websites, including [[Gab (social network)|Gab]] and [[Parler]], in advance.<ref name="wsj210108">{{cite news|last=|first=|date=January 8, 2021|title=Actions by Police Before Trump Supporters Attacked Capitol Backfired Spectacularly|work=[[Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/actions-by-police-before-trump-supporters-attacked-capitol-backfired-spectacularly-11610064600|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113193500/https://www.wsj.com/articles/actions-by-police-before-trump-supporters-attacked-capitol-backfired-spectacularly-11610064600}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Frenkel|first=Sheera|date=January 6, 2021|title=The storming of Capitol Hill was organized on social media.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/us/politics/protesters-storm-capitol-hill-building.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106220539/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/us/politics/protesters-storm-capitol-hill-building.html|archive-date=January 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Evan Perez, Katelyn Polantz, Phil Mattingly, Vivian Salama, Priscilla Alvarez and Betsy Klein|title='No one knew what we were supposed to be doing there.' Inside the law enforcement chaos at the Capitol|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/politics/capitol-riots-what-happened/index.html|access-date=2021-01-07|website=CNN|date=7 January 2021|archive-date=2021-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304004824/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/politics/capitol-riots-what-happened/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=McSwane|first=Logan Jaffe, Lydia DePillis, Isaac Arnsdorf, J David|title=Capitol Rioters Planned for Weeks in Plain Sight. The Police Weren't Ready.|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/capitol-rioters-planned-for-weeks-in-plain-sight-the-police-werent-ready|access-date=2021-01-07|website=ProPublica|date=7 January 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109151633/https://www.propublica.org/article/capitol-rioters-planned-for-weeks-in-plain-sight-the-police-werent-ready|url-status=live}}</ref> The ineffectiveness of Capitol Police's response to the rioting was harshly criticized, as was the contrast between it and the aggressive response of federal law enforcement to the [[George Floyd protests in Washington, D.C.|George Floyd protests in the summer of 2020]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hosenball|first=Joseph Tanfani, John Shiffman, Brad Heath, Mark|date=2021-01-07|title=How security failures enabled Trump mob to storm U.S. Capitol|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-capitol-security-insight-idUSKBN29C0R5|access-date=2021-01-07|archive-date=2021-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225022809/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-capitol-security-insight-idUSKBN29C0R5|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=7 January 2021|title=U.S. police officials shocked by apparent police failure at Capitol|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/law-enforcement-officials-across-u-s-shocked-police-failure-stop-n1253193|access-date=2021-01-07|website=[[NBC News]]|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304200828/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/law-enforcement-officials-across-u-s-shocked-police-failure-stop-n1253193|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Dewan|first1=Shaila|last2=MacFarquhar|first2=Neil|last3=Eligon|first3=John|last4=Triebert|first4=Christiaan|last5=Willis|first5=Haley|last6=Cooper|first6=Stella|last7=Engelbrecht|first7=Cora|last8=Hill|first8=Evan|last9=Ray|first9=Arielle|date=2021-01-07|title=Capitol Breach Draws Sharp Condemnation of Law Enforcement|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/07/us/Capitol-cops-police.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-01-07|archive-date=2021-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108020735/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/07/us/Capitol-cops-police.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Emma|first=Caitlin|date=6 January 2021|title=Capitol Police firings imminent after 'attempted coup,' top appropriator warns|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/06/capitol-riots-police-firings-455698|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107052540/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/06/capitol-riots-police-firings-455698|archive-date=2021-01-07|access-date=2021-01-07|website=[[POLITICO]]|language=en}}</ref> Law enforcement was urged "to avoid the type of show of force that had inflamed tense situations in the city last year."<ref name=":1" />

At the behest of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Capitol Police chief [[Steven Sund]] announced his resignation the following day, effective January 16, 2021.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=7 January 2021|title=US Capitol Police chief to resign after Wednesday's riots|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/07/politics/capitol-police-reaction-details/index.html|access-date=January 7, 2021|website=CNN|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209170844/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/07/politics/capitol-police-reaction-details/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two other officers were also suspended in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/11/capitol-police-officers-suspended-riot-inauguration|title=Two Capitol police officers suspended over behavior during riot|date=January 12, 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=January 14, 2021|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302080829/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/11/capitol-police-officers-suspended-riot-inauguration|url-status=live}}</ref> Six Capitol Police officers were suspended and 29 more were being investigated in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/six-capitol-police-officers-suspended-alleged-actions-during-capitol-riot-n1258329|title=Six Capitol police officers suspended for alleged actions during riot|website=NBC News|date=19 February 2021 |access-date=2021-02-19|archive-date=2021-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306212158/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/six-capitol-police-officers-suspended-alleged-actions-during-capitol-riot-n1258329|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelsandler/2021/02/18/6-capitol-police-officers-suspended-for-actions-during-capitol-riot/|title=6 Capitol Police Officers Suspended For Actions During Riot|first=Rachel|last=Sandler|website=Forbes|access-date=2021-02-19|archive-date=2021-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301203541/https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelsandler/2021/02/18/6-capitol-police-officers-suspended-for-actions-during-capitol-riot/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Assistant Chief [[Yogananda Pittman]] was named Acting Chief of Capitol Police following the attack. She was the first woman and first [[African Americans|African American]] to lead the agency.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Booker|first=Brakkton|date=11 January 2021|title=In Historic 1st, U.S. Capitol Police Name Yogananda Pittman As Acting Chief|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/congress-electoral-college-tally-live-updates/2021/01/11/955598516/in-historic-first-u-s-capitol-police-name-yogananda-pittman-as-acting-chief|access-date=2021-01-11|website=[[NPR]]|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114170050/https://www.npr.org/sections/insurrection-at-the-capitol/2021/01/11/955598516/in-historic-first-u-s-capitol-police-name-yogananda-pittman-as-acting-chief|url-status=live}}</ref> Pittman served in an acting capacity until July 22, 2021, when she was replaced by [[J. Thomas Manger]].
[[File:United States Capitol Police officer with star badge - (LOC) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|United States Capitol Police officer with star badge ]]

===April 2021 Capitol car attack===
{{main|April 2021 United States Capitol car attack}}

On April 2, 2021, a suspect identified as Noah Green used a car to hit two Capitol Police officers and then hit a barricade. Officer William "Billy" Evans died and the other officer was hospitalized. Officers shot and killed the suspect. The Capitol was locked down. Green said on social media that he believed he was a victim of "mind control".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/capitol-security-threat-04-02-21/index.html|title=Officer killed in attack near US Capitol|last1=Macaya|first1=Melissa|last2=Wagner|first2=Meg|last3=Rocha|first3=Veronica|last4=Mahtani|first4=Melissa|last5=Alfonso|first5=Fernando III|work=CNN|date=2021-04-02|access-date=2021-04-03|archive-date=2021-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402193431/https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/capitol-security-threat-04-02-21/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Organizational structure ==
{{Expand section|date=April 2021}}
The agency is led by an executive team"<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|date=2016-06-16|title=Executive Team|url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/executive-team|access-date=2021-04-10|website=United States Capitol Police|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225170900/https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/executive-team|url-status=live}}</ref> with the chief of police at the head, who is supported by an assistant chief of police for uniformed operations, and a chief administrative officer. There are about 18 bureaus and offices<ref name="auto"/> and an inspector general.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-06-16|title=Office of Inspector General|url=https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/office-inspector-general|access-date=2021-04-10|website=United States Capitol Police|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219162755/https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/office-inspector-general|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to threats and other security measures in the wake of the [[2021 United States Capitol attack]], the agency announced plans to open field offices in [[California]] and [[Florida]] on July 6.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/capitol-police-riot-field-offices-b1879195.html|title=Capitol police opening field offices to address increased threats to lawmakers|work=The Independent|last=Woodward|first=Alex|date=July 6, 2021|access-date=July 7, 2021|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706202020/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/capitol-police-riot-field-offices-b1879195.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Congress has enabled [[Congressional oversight|joint oversight]] of the Capitol Police Board<ref>Press release. (22 December 2021). "Klobuchar, Blunt Legislation to Provide U.S. Capitol Police Chief with Authority to Request Emergency Assistance from National Guard Signed Into Law
". [https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/12/klobuchar-blunt-legislation-to-provide-u-s-capitol-police-chief-with-authority-to-request-emergency-assistance-from-national-guard-signed-into-law Senator Klobuchar website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220034647/https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/12/klobuchar-blunt-legislation-to-provide-u-s-capitol-police-chief-with-authority-to-request-emergency-assistance-from-national-guard-signed-into-law |date=2022-02-20 }} Retrieved 20 February 2022.</ref> and given the chief of the Capitol Police emergency powers to request national guard or other federal assistance in cases of [[Civil disorder|civil disturbance]].<ref>The Hill staff. (14 December 2021). "Congress passes bill allowing for easier National Guard defense of Capitol after Jan. 6". [https://news.yahoo.com/congress-passes-bill-allowing-easier-024752760.html Yahoo News website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220155607/https://news.yahoo.com/congress-passes-bill-allowing-easier-024752760.html |date=2022-02-20 }} Retrieved 20 February 2022.</ref>

== Rank structure and insignia ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Title
!Insignia
|-
|Chief of Police
|[[File:4 Gold Stars.svg|center|106px]]Four stars
|-
|Assistant Chief of Police

|[[File:3 Gold Stars.svg|center|80px]]Three stars
|-
|Chief of Operations
|[[File:3 Gold Stars.svg|center|80px]]Three stars
|-
|Deputy Chief
|[[File:2 Gold Stars.svg|center|54px]]Two stars
|-
|Inspector
|[[File:US-O4 insignia.svg|center|27px]]One Oak leaf
|-
|Captain
|[[File:Captain insignia gold.svg|center|25px]]Two bars connected
|-
|Lieutenant
|[[File:US-OF1B.svg|center|10px]]One bar
|-
|Sergeant
|[[File:Sgtpin.jpg|center|25px]]Three chevrons
|-
|Corporal
|[[File:Cplpin.png|center|25px]]Two chevrons
|-
|Private First Class
|[[File:PrivateFCpin.jpg|center|25px]]One chevron over rocker
|-
|Private with training
|[[File:PVTpin.jpg|center|25px]]One chevron
|-Senior Private
|Private
|No Insignia 
|-
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|United States}}
* [[2021 storming of the United States Capitol]]
* [[Congressional baseball shooting]]
* [[Shooting of Miriam Carey]] (2013)
* [[March 29, 2006, Capitol Hill police incident]]
* [[1998 United States Capitol shooting]]
* [[List of incidents of political violence in Washington, D.C.]]
* [[List of United States federal law enforcement agencies]]
* [[Capitol police]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|United States Capitol Police}}
* {{official}}
'''Capitol Police Board'''

* {{official website|https://www.uscp.gov/the-department/oversight/capitol-police-board}}
* [https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682553.pdf GAO Report to Congressional Requesters, 2017]
* [https://www.c-span.org/video/?517890-1/hearing-jan-6-reports-capitol-police-inspector-general C-Span House Administration Committee hearing]
{{USCongress}}
{{Federal law enforcement agencies of the United States}}
{{Capitol police}}
{{January 6 United States Capitol attack navbox}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:United States Capitol Police| ]]
[[Category:1828 establishments in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Agency-specific police departments of the United States|Capitol Police]]
[[Category:Congressional Gold Medal recipients]]
[[Category:Law enforcement agencies of the District of Columbia]]