February 28, 1996 confidential in nature, the basic contained in the study are premise is that we can make great strides in better securing the Capitol Complex through the application of improved physical assets and employing new security technology. It should be noted, however, that the judicious application of these enhancements will not affect the current level of public access to the buildings or grounds. Since the U.S. Capitol Police recently assumed responsibility for the design and installation of all Congressional security systems, the U.S. Capitol Police FY '97 budget submission contains a funding request to purchase some of these assets. I would ask the Committee's consideration for the full funding of this request. The mission of the U.S. Capitol Police is diverse and complex. It requires a highly-skilled group of dedicated law enforcement professionals to perform the Department's various law enforcement and protective operations. The goal of the U.S. Capitol Police Board is to ensure that the men and women of the Department continue to receive the highest quality of training possible in order that they may effectively perform their duties. To realize this goal, the Chief, at the Board's request, has placed renewed emphasis on enhancing existing training programs and identifying and instituting new ones. This initiative has resulted in specialized training for the Threat Assessment Section, the In Intelligence Section, and the Dignitary Protection Division. addition, professional development training will be given to Department managers and experienced officers. The Department has also reorganized the In-service Training Program to offer continual training to field officers on the latest law enforcement techniques, Department procedures, and security concerns. Last year, the Board also established a Communications and Personnel Issues Task Force. This task force, comprised of a representative cross-section of Department personnel, examined the Department's internal communications efforts and personnel policies and recommended improvements and modifications. By focusing on such issues as the Ombudsman Program, the Employee Assistance Program, grievance procedures, and minority issues groups, the members of the task force submitted several constructive recommendations for the enhancement of existing policies and the implementation of new programs to benefit USCP personnel. The U.S. Capitol Police Board is also working closely with the Chief as the Department addresses three major administrative issues: the National Finance Center; the Congressional Accountability Act; and studying a possible absorption of the Library of Congress Police. February 28, 1996 The Committee has long sought to transfer the payroll function to the National Finance Center. The Board and the Chief have been working in conjunction with the Committee on House Oversight and the Chief Administrative Officer to attain this goal and I am pleased to report that the transfer should soon be complete. would like to thank the Committee for the assistance and guidance it has given the Board on this important issue. I The second major administrative issue is the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA). I am pleased that the Department moved quickly to come into compliance with the various provisions of the Act. Chief Abrecht appointed a task force to examine the policies of other agencies, draft USCP compliance policies, and instruct the Department personnel on the effects of the Act. It should be noted that the application of the Fair Labor Standards Act has modified the manner in which sworn and civilian personnel receive overtime. compensation. The Board continually monitors the Department's overtime expenditures and works closely with the Chief to control However, under the provisions of the CAA, overtime expenditures will increase. The Committee will note that the USCP budget submission includes an increased overtime funding request based upon new overtime projections. costs. Finally, at the direction of Congress, the Board is in the process of studying the possibility of merging the Library of Congress Police into the U.S. Capitol Police. Chief Abrecht has appointed a task force to work with the Library of Congress managers to study all aspects of a merger including costs, training issues, personnel policies, and management responsibilities. Once the study has been completed, the Board will provide the Committees of jurisdiction with a report on the impact of a merger and recommendations on its implementation. I would like to thank the Committee for the support and guidance you have given me over the past year. Since assuming my duties as Sergeant at Arms, the U.S. Capitol Police Board has been faced with several challenges. In 1995, concerns over domestic terrorism again moved to the forefront, threats against the Congress and individual Members sharply increased, and the Department began several administrative and operational initiatives. Looking ahead to 1997, preparations have begun for the next Presidential Inauguration. The Congress should be proud of the quality police department it has attained. Each day, the United States Capitol Police ensures the safety and security of the Congressional community and the millions of people who pass through the Capitol Complex each February 28, 1996 year. I have been impressed by the dedication, skill, and professionalism of the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police. It is the continued goal of the U.S. Capitol Police Board to ensure the Department receives the funding and support it requires in order to remain viable and responsive to the needs of Congress and the visiting public. |