Capitol security officials present list of reforms ahead of Jan. 6 anniversary
Capitol security officials laid out a lengthy list of reforms Tuesday they say have changed the way law enforcement will protect lawmakers in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol — even as they’re still working to address staffing shortages that have left police officers exhausted and overtaxed.
The reforms have touched every aspect of the Capitol Police’s work — from intelligence gathering to riot control — as officials aim to beef up security around the complex and protect against a future attack.
The changes are spelled out in a 10-page report by the Capitol Police Board obtained by POLITICO. The long-awaited report marks one year since the mob attack that showed enormous gaps in the Capitol’s preparedness, with lawmakers demanding a slew of reforms for the police force and its other security offices. The four members of the board are House Sergeant at Arms William Walker, Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson, Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton and Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger.
Manger has gone to enormous lengths this week to show the extent of those changes. In an interview with POLITICO, for instance, he detailed new tools and tactics, such as upgraded cell phones, riot gear and more regular threat assessments. He told reporters Tuesday the Capitol Police were now “stronger and better prepared” than they were before Jan. 6, 2021.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/capitol-security-officials-present-list-of-reforms-ahead-of-jan-6-anniversary/ar-AASr40J