United States Capitol Police Auxiliary
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| United States Capitol Police Auxiliary | |
|---|---|
| Name | United States Capitol Police Auxiliary |
| Caption | Auxiliary officers at the United States Capitol |
| Formed | 1961 |
| Country | United States |
| Agency | United States Capitol Police |
| Type | Auxiliary police |
| Headquarters | United States Capitol Police Administrative Headquarters |
United States Capitol Police Auxiliary The United States Capitol Police Auxiliary is a volunteer component affiliated with the United States Capitol Police established to augment protective efforts at the United States Capitol and related facilities. The Auxiliary operates alongside entities such as the United States Capitol Police Board, the House Sergeant at Arms, the Senate Sergeant at Arms, and collaborates with agencies including the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Secret Service during events and operations.
History
The Auxiliary traces roots to mid‑20th century initiatives influenced by programs like the Civil Defense Act of 1950 and post‑war volunteer movements associated with the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and community policing trends tied to the Community Relations Service. Early coordination involved the Architect of the Capitol and Congressional leadership such as the Speaker of the House and chairs of the House Appropriations Committee. High‑profile moments shaped the Auxiliary alongside incidents involving the Capitol attack of 1954 and security revisions after the September 11 attacks. Legislative oversight by committees including the House Committee on Administration and the Senate Rules Committee influenced statutory changes paralleled by policy shifts recommended by the Government Accountability Office and studies by the United States Commission on Civil Rights.
Organization and Structure
The Auxiliary is organized into units reflecting operational boundaries tied to the Capitol Complex Police District and works with divisions such as Capitol Police Intelligence Division, Capitol Police Protective Services Bureau, and Capitol Police Communications Division. Leadership links to the Chief of the United States Capitol Police and coordination involves the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights for personnel matters. Regional liaisons maintain contacts with the National Guard Bureau and local commands including the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia Police Department and neighboring municipal agencies. Administrative governance aligns with statutes promulgated by the United States Congress and overseen in part by the Office of Inspector General of the United States Capitol Police.
Roles and Duties
Auxiliary personnel perform duties supporting functions seen in details for high‑visibility events such as Presidential inaugurations, State of the Union Address, and national observances like Independence Day (United States). Tasks include static posts at entry points near the Capitol Visitor Center, crowd control on the Capitol Grounds, perimeter patrols around the Library of Congress, assistive roles at hearings in committee rooms including the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Senate Judiciary Committee, and liaison tasks during coordination with the United States Park Police and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Auxiliaries have supported emergency responses involving Department of Defense liaison teams and coordinated evacuations following incidents similar in scope to responses by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Training and Qualifications
Volunteer candidates follow curricula influenced by standards from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Tactical Officers Association, and best practices promoted by the Office of Personnel Management. Training encompasses topics such as legal authorities under statutes like the Hatch Act, emergency medical response compatible with American Red Cross certifications, radio communications using protocols interoperable with National Incident Management System and training modules derived from Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5. Background investigations draw on databases used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and suitability reviews consistent with guidance from the Office of Personnel Management and congressional human resources offices.
Equipment and Uniforms
Auxiliary equipment policies align with inventories used by the United States Capitol Police and compatible apparatus from vendors contracted through General Services Administration. Issued gear has included reflective vests bearing insignia consistent with the United States Capitol Police Board standards, radios interoperable with Public Safety Answering Point networks, flashlights, handcuff sets, and first aid kits reflecting American Heart Association protocols. Uniform variations are coordinated to distinguish volunteers from sworn members while maintaining rapport with ceremonial elements seen alongside the House Chaplain or during events hosted by the United States Botanic Garden.
Incidents and Controversies
The Auxiliary has been involved in reviews following security lapses and high‑profile events that prompted inquiries by bodies such as the Government Accountability Office and the House Committee on House Administration. Controversies have included debates over authority during critical incidents comparable in scrutiny to investigations of the January 6 United States Capitol attack and administrative audits by the Office of Inspector General of the United States Capitol Police. Legislative responses have referenced statutory oversight by the United States Congress and testimony before panels chaired by members like the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
Recruitment and Community Relations
Recruitment efforts engage with civic organizations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens, the National Urban League, veterans’ groups including the American Veterans (AMVETS), and educational partners like the George Washington University and the Georgetown University community policing programs. Community outreach leverages relationships with the Capitol Historical Society, the United States Capitol Historical Society, tourist stakeholders such as the National Park Service, and neighborhood advisory boards in the Capitol Hill area to encourage diverse volunteer participation and public trust initiatives.