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USCP Fast Facts

  1. The United States Capitol Police (USCP) dates the Department's founding to 1828, the year police regulations in Washington, D.C., were expanded to include the Capitol and its grounds. This empowered the four Capitol watchmen with full law enforcement authority.
  2. In fall 1974, the USCP hired four female officers, including Arva "Marie" Johnson, the first African American woman to wear the USCP uniform.
  3. Today, the USCP is comprised of more than 2,300 officers and civilian employees, and has an annual budget of approximately $460 million.
  4. The USCP is responsible for protecting Congress and the public, and maintaining order while protecting the U.S. Capitol – the seat of our nation's government.
  5. The USCP has been recognized for demonstrating an "enhanced delivery of public safety services through the effective use and compliance to the standards representing the best practices within the law enforcement industry."
  6. Seven USCP law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty: Officer Fred J. Crenshaw, Sergeant Christopher S. Eney, Officer Jacob J. Chestnut, Detective John M. Gibson, Officer LaValle Van Etten, Sergeant Clinton J. Holtz, Officer Brian D. Sicknick, Officer William F. Evans, and Officer Howie C. Liebengood. These officers made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people.