United States Capitol Police

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Federal law enforcement agency in the United States

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is a federal law enforcement agency charged with protecting the United States Congress within the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories. The USCP is responsible for safeguarding the members of Congress, employees, visitors, and facilities of the United States Capitol Complex.

History

The United States Capitol Police was established in 1828 in response to the assault on a son of John Quincy Adams in the Capitol Rotunda. Initially, the force consisted of a few watchmen, but it has since grown into a sophisticated law enforcement agency.

Mission

The mission of the USCP is to protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe and open environment. This includes providing a variety of law enforcement, security, and protective services.

Organization

The USCP is organized into several bureaus and offices, each with specific responsibilities:

• Uniformed Services Bureau: Responsible for the day-to-day security operations within the Capitol Complex.
• Protective Services Bureau: Provides protection for members of Congress and other dignitaries.
• Investigations Division: Conducts investigations into criminal activities and threats against the Capitol Complex.
• Intelligence and Interagency Coordination Division: Gathers and analyzes intelligence related to potential threats.

Jurisdiction and Authority

The USCP has jurisdiction over the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the United States Capitol, the Senate and House of Representatives office buildings, the Library of Congress, and the United States Supreme Court building. The USCP also has the authority to enforce laws and make arrests throughout the United States in matters related to the protection of Congress.

Training and Equipment

USCP officers undergo rigorous training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) and receive continuous in-service training. They are equipped with a range of law enforcement tools, including firearms, communication devices, and protective gear.

Notable Incidents

The USCP has been involved in several notable incidents, including:

• The 2001 anthrax attacks: The USCP played a crucial role in responding to the anthrax-laden letters sent to congressional offices.
• The 2011 United States Capitol shooting incident: The USCP responded to a shooting incident at the Capitol, ensuring the safety of the members of Congress and staff.
• The 2021 United States Capitol attack: The USCP was at the forefront of the response to the attack on the Capitol by rioters attempting to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.

Related Pages

• United States Capitol
• United States Congress
• Federal law enforcement in the United States
• Library of Congress
• United States Supreme Court

See Also

• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Secret Service
• Department of Homeland Security