Capitol Police are “struggling to meet the requirements of the existing mission” after this year’s second attack on the complex, union leader Gus Papathanasiou said in a statement this weekend, according to NBC News.
Why does it matter: The union says the agency is approaching “a crisis in morale and force numbers”, as requests for enhanced security are renewed after the death of Capitol police officer William “Billy” Evans on Friday.
Driving the news: Lieutenant-General Russel Honoré, appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) To review Capitol security measures, told ABC’s “This Week” program that Capitol Police “will have to recruit heavily” to comply with security measures its task force proposed last month.
- The plan foresees the expansion of the force to 1,100 police officers and the filling of approximately 300 current vacancies.
- Papathanasiou asked Congress to implement the proposal, which also requires more mobile or retractable fences.
What is he saying: “We are struggling to meet existing mission requirements, even with officers working large amounts of forced overtime,” said Papathanasiou, adding that the agency has 233 officers below its normal 2,000-member force.
- “In the next 3-5 years we have another 500 officers who will be able to retire. Many of these officers could present their retirement papers tomorrow. Many younger police officers have confided to me that they are actively looking for other agencies and departments now. “
- “We have now lost two officers on duty this year, “he said.” Another officer took his own life and we have 80 officers who were seriously injured in the insurrection. Some of the injured officers may never return to work. “
Go deeper: Capitol review panel recommends more police, mobile fences