Karen Bune
Victimology Contributor
Officer.com
Some things just never change. Once again, the United States Capitol Police is beleaguered with criticism of its management, leadership, personnel, policies, accountability, and other issues. It seems as though no one can ever be fully satisfied with the day-to-day operation of this important police force that is responsible for the safety and security of the nation’s Capitol and the workers and visitors who frequent the compound.
When former U. S. Capitol Police Chief Terrance W. Gainer (now current Senate Sergeant-at-Arms) led the force, he did so with dedication, diligence, and a high degree of professionalism. Having been labeled by many as a “cop’s cop†who had an open door policy and interacted well with his officers who liked and respected him, he was subjected to constant criticism and attempts at micromanagement by a lot of politicians who, for the most part, did not understand the reality of what he was dealing with. When he instituted a horse mounted unit, it was successful but short lived. Thanks to the political maneuvering of a group of politicians led by Virginia Congressman James Moran, Jr. (D-VA), the unit was disbanded after only 14 months in existence. For the U. S. Capitol Police, the wheel of misfortune seems to be a constant spin of taking away that which works and is most beneficial for the functioning and performance of the police force.
Now, again, the department is in the limelight of criticism. The current Chief, Philip Morse, is being attacked by politicians who advocate there is little or no accountability and that blunders were made in the hiring of 15 recruits who do not have squeaky clean backgrounds that meet employment criteria. There are also issues related to outdated and non-integrated and compatible radio communications systems.
Sergeant-at-Arms Gainer, who has 40 years of law enforcement experience behind him and whose perspective is based in reality, supports Morse and asserts there are measures of accountability in place. Apparently, however, members of Congress are dissatisfied and have a bone to pick with the U. S. Capitol Police and its management. Therefore, the Senate Rules Committee is holding a hearing on July 16, 2008 to determine what, in their minds, is ailing the U. S. Capitol Police.
Meanwhile, officers on the force continue to try to do their jobs and focus on their priorities of what is genuinely important to the public safety of the U. S. Capitol. No one should ever underestimate or discount their abilities in conducting themselves professionally. They employ a high degree of expertise coupled with specialized skills. In addition, they have been trained to deal with the multi-faceted and unique issues that confront the challenges of minimizing threats and maintaining public safety on Capitol Hill. The continuous nit-picking and backbiting, however, wears thin on officers who just want to be left alone to do their jobs that they are ably ready to do.
The members of the Senate Rules Committee should take a word of advice. They should listen-- with open minds devoid of preconceived notions and biased outlooks--to what the seasoned Sergeant-at-Arms Gainer has to say and, along with the feedback of Chief Morse, they should heed the words of these officials carefully. Gainer has the right answers to the tough questions combined with the know-how of what to do and when. The politicians, therefore, need to recognize that any department, on occasion, can make mistakes but, at the same time, they need to jump off the train of constant criticism and let the police run their own show.
