The Capitol Police have initiated a recruiting campaign to tackle the staffing shortages in divisions responsible for investigating threats against members of Congress and providing leadership protection.
In an effort to expand their applicant pool, the department has decided to accept external candidates for the first time, as they previously only hired internal candidates for their Investigations Division and Dignitary Protection Division.
The agency has extended an invitation to anyone interested in a thrilling career as a Special Agent or Investigator with the USCP to apply as entry-level hires. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to join as agents or investigators, with a starting salary of over $81,000, which increases to over $85,000 after one year of mandatory training. Lateral hires from other federal law enforcement agencies or the military can expect to earn between $81,000 and $132,000, depending on their relevant experience.
To further address the staffing shortages, the Capitol Police also plan to recruit retired federal law enforcement officers or military personnel as drivers for members of Congress. These individuals will also be responsible for protecting lawmakers' homes and processing reports of threats against members. The starting salary for these positions exceeds $132,000.
As part of the recruiting campaign, the Capitol Police have released a video showcasing the work of their agents. The video depicts agents escorting members of Congress, driving, running into buildings, breaching doors with tactical gear, and answering phone calls. Accompanied by dramatic music, the video presents the department as the "legislative version" of the Secret Service.
Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger has emphasized to lawmakers the strain on threat assessment agents, who are responsible for investigating threats made against members. These agents are currently "stretched to capacity," with an average annual caseload of nearly 500 each.
Meanwhile, the agents tasked with protecting high-profile members like Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) are working excessive overtime due to the "unsustainable" staffing levels, according to Chief Manger.
In his testimony before a joint committee hearing in July, Chief Manger highlighted the retention of their Dignitary Protection Division (DPD) and Investigations Division Agents as one of the department's greatest challenges.
The number of threats against members of Congress reached a peak of 9,625 in 2021, the year of the January 6 attack on the Capitol. In 2022, there were 7,501 threats reported.
Over the past year, members of Congress and their staff have faced numerous attacks. In October, Paul Pelosi, the husband of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), was assaulted at their San Francisco home by an individual wielding a hammer. Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) was assaulted in her apartment complex, and a staffer for Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was stabbed in Washington.
Chief Manger has expressed his desire to establish new field offices in Boston, Milwaukee, and a location in Texas to enhance efforts in combating threats against members. The Capitol Police currently have field offices in Tampa, Fla., and San Francisco.
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