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USCP Response to OIG Report #6

September 2, 2021

The United States Capitol Police is grateful the Office of Inspector General (OIG) acknowledged the Hazardous Incident Response Division (HIRD) for contributing "greatly toward the Department's mission on January 6" in its sixth flash report about HIRD and the Canine Unit. "The Division's response to the threat of hazardous devices was excellent," the Inspector General reported.

During the attack, HIRD and our law enforcement partners responded to the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee to mitigate pipe bombs. Our teams found the second device while conducting additional searches after the first device was found.

HIRD Officers also displayed their skills during last month's bomb threat.

The Department agrees with the Inspector General that additional equipment and personnel are needed to enhance this mission critical program. The Department is grateful for the support shown by the Congress in passing the Emergency Security Supplemental Act of 2021, which provides critical resources to allow the Department to begin addressing the OIG recommendations.

The USCP is updating policies and procedures and a comprehensive training plan is being developed. In fact, our Canine Unit is training this week.

The United States Capitol Police welcomes all reviews into January 6, and Department leadership is answering the call for change to ensure a violent attack like that never happens again.

The team is thankful for its partnership with the Office of the Inspector General and Congress. Their hard work is integral for improving the Department.