Chief of Police

United States Capitol Police

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is currently seeking candidates for Chief of Police.   Following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and a second fatal attack on an officer on April 2, the USCP is facing some of the most difficult challenges in its 193-year history.  The Department is seeking a transformative leader who can inspire and usher in change at this pivotal moment, and effectively manage one of the most dynamic and complex law enforcement environments in the country. 

The Chief of Police is appointed by, and reports directly to, the Capitol Police Board (CPB), which is composed of the Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. Senate, and the Architect of the Capitol. The Chief of Police is responsible for overseeing the personnel, operations, and assets of the USCP; interacting with various Congressional committees, individual members of Congress and their respective staff; and planning and directing the activities of the USCP in accordance with CPB guidance to preserve peace, protect Congress, and ensure the continuity of operation of the legislative function of our government.

Currently, the USCP has an authorized strength of over 2,000 sworn positions and 500 non-sworn professional employees, with an annual salaries budget of $424.4 million and a general expenses budget of $87.5 million.  The Department is poised for growth as Congress is currently reviewing recommendations that would increase personnel, training, equipment and other resources.

Congress created the USCP in 1828. Its mission is to protect the Congress and the legislative processes – its Members, employees, visitors and facilities – so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment. The USCP is charged with providing the highest quality of security and police services to deter, detect, disrupt and respond to terrorist threats; to protect life and property; to prevent, detect and investigate criminal acts; and to enforce traffic regulations throughout a 276-acre complex of 19 congressional buildings (including the 20,000 employees working in them), parks, and thoroughfares. In addition, the USCP is responsible for the protection of Members of Congress, Officers of Congress, and their families, as well as coordinating with local law enforcement when Members are in their districts.

Operating within a complex political environment, the USCP is responsible for vigilant monitoring of intelligence to address the increasing threat environment against the Capitol and Members, while helping to maintain an open setting for the conduct of the federal government’s legislative process. The USCP carries out screening operations to detect, mitigate and respond to both conventional and non-conventional threats. Additionally, the USCP is responsible for the administration of security operations, in coordination with federal, state and local partners, at highly visible major public events.

The USCP is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), having been awarded its sixth reaccreditation in 2017.  As part of the reaccreditation process, the Department also received the CALEA Gold Standard Assessment (GSA).

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement management experience (with at least 3 years at the senior command level with oversight responsibility of a major law enforcement component) in an agency of comparable size and/or complexity to the USCP or commensurate experience in an equivalent organization. Candidates need to possess a bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred), and be creative thinkers with a track record of innovation and exemplary, result-oriented performance.  Candidates will be evaluated based on their experience, education, and possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Leadership experience in managing a diverse workforce with a major law enforcement component in an environment where a high degree of political understanding and skill is required. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build coalitions with individuals and constituency groups and law enforcement organizations which impact the Congressional community. 

• Knowledge/experience in homeland security/counterterrorism best practices at the federal, state, city and/or county level, including threat management, crisis response and incident management skills at the senior command level. 

• Ability to lead and inspire strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet departmental goals. Ability to foster transparency by opening lines of communication and keeping stakeholders informed on all safety-related issues in a continuously changing environment. 

• Knowledge/experience in dignitary protection and physical security protocols for a large, high-profile setting which draws large numbers of visitors. Experience in dealing with public screening and perimeter security, including the detection of conventional and non-conventional threats while maintaining an open environment for the conduct of business. 

• Ability to leverage emerging technologies that provide effective countermeasures against a broad range of asymmetric threats. 

• Knowledge of issues related to the Continuity of Government (COG) and the Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, such as relocation facilities, transportation and communication requirements, staffing, and resource responsibilities. 

• Ability to work collaboratively as a leader in the development of security plans for the National Capitol Region which includes the District of Columbia, six counties in Maryland and Virginia, and numerous federal law enforcement agencies.     

• Ability to ensure fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and polices, and to ensure equal employment, diversity, and inclusiveness in all department activities and opportunities. 

• Ability to provide empathetic leadership, foster healing and effectively listen and communicate with all levels of the organization in order to inspire and motivate personnel and establish a healthy working environment with a focus on wellness for all personnel. 

• Knowledge/experience in security event planning for complex, dynamic and high-profile public events at the federal, state, city and/or county level. 

• Knowledge/experience in federal and/or state emergency management planning and operations at the command level for an agency or police department. 

• Knowledge/experience in budget formulation and budget and programmatic justification for resource requirements for a department with a similar size and complexity as the USCP, and experience providing budget testimony at a senior command level. 

• Knowledge/experience in interagency coordination, with proven experience building coalitions with federal, state, city and county law enforcement agencies and military entities for law enforcement related to intelligence, security operations, emergency management, and homeland security. 

• Knowledge/experience in emerging and critical issues in policing and demonstrated ability in the areas of resource management and strategic planning, performance management, labor relations, internal controls, as well as a proven record of fostering and leading a diverse and inclusive organization. 

• Knowledge/experience in dealing with the news media and the ability to formulate a media strategy in a complex and active political environment with a high degree of national visibility. 

• Knowledge /experience to develop and implement strategic and tactical plans or operations while demonstrating the ability to think clearly and act effectively in emergency situations. 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance at the TS/SCI level.

For more information about the USCP, visit their website at USCP.gov.

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is assisting the Capitol Police Board with the selection process. For consideration, send a resume, a letter summarizing your interest and qualifications and the names of five work-related references by May 17, 2021, to [email protected]. 

The U.S. Capitol Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. 

If you have questions regarding this opportunity, or a recommendation of a colleague, please contact: Charlotte Lansinger at [email protected] or (301)639-3020