U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) shared improvements the agency has made since the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, including opening regional field offices to investigate threats made against members of Congress.
USCP issued a statement by acting USCP Chief Yogananda Pittman exactly six months since the attack, saying, “We will never forget USCP Officers Brian Sicknick and Howie Liebengood, who died after the attack, nor the sacrifices of the nearly 150 law enforcement officers who were injured.”
The agency said for the last six months it has been working “with our Congressional stakeholders to support our officers, enhance security around the Capitol Complex, and pivot towards an intelligence-based protective agency.”
It has also been working to implement recommendations from reviews following the events. The statement went on to list the areas where the USCP has made improvements.
“The USCP has enhanced our staffing within our Dignitary Protection Division as well as coordinated for enhanced security for Members of Congress outside of the National Capitol Region,” the statement reads.
It adds, “The Department is also in the process of opening Regional Field Offices in California and Florida with additional regions in the near future to investigate threats to Members of Congress.”
Other improvements that have been made include expanded wellness services, increased training, critical incident response planning, seasoned law enforcement and operational planning experts, equipment and technology, communication, and recruitment.
“Those are just some of the improvements the United States Capitol Police is making, with the support of our Congressional stakeholders, in the wake of the January 6 attack,” the agency said.
It continued, “We honor all the brave men and women who, against all odds, faced down a violent crowd that day and protected our elected leaders and everyone who was in the Capitol Complex. We will never forget their bravery and will continue to work in their honor.”