Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Former Maryland police chief Tom Manger has been selected as the new chief of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), per a Thursday announcement.
Why it matters: Manger will assume command on Friday, taking a role that became highly visible after the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. The insurrection killed a USCP officer, injured several more and led to mental health challenges throughout the force.
- The department's failure to act on intelligence indicting possible violence on Jan. 6 "betrayed" its mission and was "inexcusable," the USCP union said in a statement in January.
- Under the authority of acting chief Yogananda Pittman, USCP has since enhanced security around the Capitol as well as a range of reforms, including joint trainings with other law enforcement agencies and wellness initiatives.
His background: Manger, who was selected following a nationwide search, served as chief of police in Montgomery County, Maryland, and in Fairfax County, Virginia. He retired from the Montgomery County Police Department in 2019 after 15 years as chief and 42 years in the force.
- Manger was president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association from 2014 to 2018.
What they're saying: "The Congress is fortunate to have a seasoned decision-maker who will lead with integrity, draw on his regional experience in strengthening partnerships with law enforcement partners, and make intelligence-based security decisions," the board said in a press release, thanking Pittman for her work during the last six months.
"Chief Manger’s commitment to listening, fairness and transparency will be key in rebuilding trust amongst USCP sworn officers and civilian employees."
"I am humbled and honored to join the men and women of the US Capitol Police Department in their mission to protect the Congress, the Capitol and the federal legislative process," Manger said in a statement.
- "The challenges in protecting the Capitol campus, and everyone who works or visits there, have never been more complex," he added. "The courage and dedication of the men and women of this agency were on great display on Jan. 6th."
- "It is now my job to ensure that they have the resources and support to continue to fulfill their mission in an ever increasingly difficult job."