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Capitol Police Board Announces Selection of USCP Chief of Police

July 22, 2021

J. Thomas Manger to Assume Command July 23, 2021

Following a nationwide recruitment by a leading executive search firm, the Capitol Police Board announces the appointment of J. Thomas Manger as Chief of the United States Capitol Police. The Board is confident in Chief Manger's experience and approach in protecting the Congress – its Members, employees, visitors and facilities.

Tom Manger has served 42 years in the policing profession, including more than two decades as chief of police for two of the largest police agencies in the National Capital Region. Most recently, he was chief of police in Montgomery County, Maryland from 2004 to 2019. He also served as police chief in Fairfax County, Virginia from 1998 to 2004. His leadership in regional law enforcement initiatives is extensive.

After graduating from the University of Maryland, Manger began his law enforcement career in 1977 as a Fairfax County police officer. He rose through the ranks to become chief of police, receiving numerous awards in Fairfax County, including the Silver Medal of Valor in 1993.

During his career as police chief in Montgomery County, Manger received several national awards, including the 2007 Law Enforcement Award from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the 2016 Gorowitz Institute Service Award from the Anti-Defamation League, and the 2018 FBI National Executive Institute Associates Penrith Award. Manger was also inducted into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame in 2012.

In 2018, "Washingtonian" magazine recognized Manger as one of the Washingtonians of the Year. He also serves on the Cardinal's Child Safety Advisory Board for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

Elected by his peers to several national leadership positions, Manger served from 2014 to 2018 as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), and from 2013 to 2017 as Vice President of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

Manger says, "I am humbled and honored to join the men and women of the US Capitol Police Department in their mission to protect the Congress, the Capitol and the federal legislative process. The challenges in protecting the Capitol campus, and everyone who works or visits there, have never been more complex. The courage and dedication of the men and women of this agency were on great display on Jan. 6th. It is now my job to ensure that they have the resources and support to continue to fulfill their mission in an ever increasingly difficult job."

The Congress is fortunate to have a seasoned decision-maker who will lead with integrity, draw on his regional experience in strengthening partnerships with law enforcement partners, and make intelligence-based security decisions. Chief Manger's commitment to listening, fairness and transparency will be key in rebuilding trust amongst USCP sworn officers and civilian employees.

Manger will assume command July 23, 2021.

The Board thanks Acting Chief of Police Yogananda Pittman for her dedication and focused effort over the last six months to enhance security around the Capitol Complex and begin the hard work of implementing lessons learned from January 6.

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