Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger on Rebuilding the Department After January 6th

Rebuilding the Capitol Police Department

• 💡 Upon arrival, Chief Manger inherited over a dozen after-action reports detailing necessary improvements for the Capitol Police following January 6th.
• ✅ By mid-year last year, all recommendations from these reports were implemented, signifying a significant overhaul.

Addressing Morale and Officer Wellness

• 😔 Following January 6th, morale was critically low, with many officers on trauma leave and a loss of confidence in leadership.
• 🧠 A robust wellness division was established to address trauma, nutrition, and overall officer resilience, providing crucial support.

Enhancing Security and Staffing

• 🛡️ The department was significantly understaffed for years, a problem exacerbated by January 6th.
• 📈 Staffing levels have been increased to ensure adequate physical security, screening, and response capabilities.
• 🤝 A mutual aid program with allied agencies ensures sufficient staffing for large events and disturbances.
• ⚡ The ability to react to and resolve disturbances quickly has improved dramatically, with incidents now being handled in under 60 seconds.

Managing Nationwide Threats

• ⚠️ The Capitol Police now investigates approximately 10,000 threat investigations annually, a substantial increase from previous years.
• 🌍 The department has nationwide jurisdiction to investigate threats, sending agents across the country and making numerous arrests.
• 💰 Continued support and increased budgets are crucial for staffing protection details and criminal investigations, especially for members of Congress outside of DC.

Impact of Pardons and Public Perception

• 😠 Chief Manger described the pardons for individuals involved in assaulting officers and destroying property on January 6th as one of his worst days on the job.
• 💔 These pardons sent a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide, potentially undermining their efforts to maintain public order.
• 💬 Manger communicated to his officers that their actions on January 6th are recognized and respected, despite the pardons.

Unique Challenges of the Capitol Police

• 🚶 The Capitol Police faces the unique challenge of providing security for a wide-open campus that is accessible to the public, unlike other federal buildings.
• ⚖️ Finding a middle ground for displaying a plaque honoring officers who served on January 6th is seen as a way to acknowledge their service while maintaining historical integrity.
• 🤝 The department's rebuilding has been a team effort, relying on dedicated officers and a strong leadership team to overcome past failures and ensure future safety.