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Appointment of Inspector Daniel Nichols as Assistant Chief

January 26, 2007
United States Capitol PoliceChief Phillip D. Morse, Sr
Public Information Office
119 D Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20510Immediate
(202) 224-1677January 26, 2007

Please join me in congratulating Inspector Daniel Nichols in his appointment as the new Assistant Chief of Police. Inspector Daniel Nichols entered duty with the United States Capitol Police in 1983. After training, his first duty assignment was providing security and law enforcement at the United States Capitol. In 1984, he was transferred to street patrol duties within the Capitol Complex and the adjoining neighborhood.

In 1986, Inspector Nichols was appointed as the first dedicated Public Information Officer for the Department. As spokesperson, he managed all media interaction during events and incidents occurring within the Capitol Complex. Most notably, he represented the U.S. Capitol Police during key events that attracted intense, widespread media attention including the 1998 shooting at the Capitol that claimed the lives of two police officers; the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 that affected the security of the Capitol and the protection of the Congressional community; and the 2001 anthrax attack against Congress.

In 2002, after being promoted to lieutenant, Dan was given command of the Canine Section. His accomplishments include expanding the training program, increasing the number of explosives detection teams to 43, re-introducing the street police service dog program and creating a K9 search and rescue team to locate victims of building collapses. In addition, he overhauled the concept of operations for the Off-Site Delivery Center. He also created the Department's first Horse Mounted Unit.

In August 2004, the Chief of Police promoted Dan to Captain and named him as Chairman of the 2005 United States Capitol Police Inaugural Task Force. As such, he managed the overall planning, coordination, logistics, and execution of the U.S. Capitol Police responsibility for the 2005 Swearing-in Ceremony. The task was particularly challenging due to the fact that this was the first inauguration to take place in a post 9/11 threat environment. He worked closely with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the Capitol Police Board and multiple law enforcement and public safety agencies to ensure the safety and security of the nation's leaders and the public. While serving as Chairman, Inspector Nichols was promoted to the rank of Inspector.

In February 2005, Inspector Nichols assumed command of the House Division and led a team of over 400 police officers who provide law enforcement and security operations at the House office buildings, the Capitol Power Plant and the House Page Dorm. In 2006, he was transferred to the Capitol Division where he manages over 450 police personnel who perform various security, law enforcement, and emergency response duties to protect the Capitol, the Capitol Visitors Center, the House and Senate Chambers, and leadership offices.

Inspector Nichols is recognized as an accomplished leader who builds effective teams, has strong communications skills, and uses innovative approaches to improve the protection of the Capitol, the congressional community, and visitors. He also works to develop the skills and capabilities of the Department's personnel and was a key proponent of sending managers and officers to the Police Executive Leadership Program.

Daniel Nichols, 44, is native of Fort Washington, Maryland. He holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Management from The Johns Hopkins University.

If there are any questions about these events or security procedures, you may contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.

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Prepared by:
Sergeant Kimberly Schneider
United States Capitol Police
Public Information Officer