Capitol Police Emergency Assistance Act of 2021
Dec 22, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 1522
Became law: Dec 22, 2021
Dec 22, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 1522
Became law: Dec 22, 2021
Summary
Lets the Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police ask for help from the National Guard or other police agencies on their own during an emergency.
What problem does this solve?
The Capitol Police Chief needed permission from a board to call for backup, which could cause dangerous delays during a crisis. This law allows the Chief to request immediate help in an emergency without waiting for approval.
What does this law do?
Empowers Capitol Police Chief in emergencies
Allows the Chief of the Capitol Police to ask for help from the D.C. National Guard or federal law enforcement agencies without getting approval from the Capitol Police Board first.
Establishes board oversight power
Permits the Capitol Police Board to cancel a request for assistance made by the Chief after talking with leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Creates joint congressional oversight
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Administration to hold joint hearings to oversee the Capitol Police Board.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. Capitol Police
- D.C. National Guard
- Federal law enforcement agencies
What is the real world impact?
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Faster emergency response
Speeds up the process for getting backup from the National Guard or other federal agencies during a crisis at the U.S. Capitol. This prevents delays that could put people at risk.
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Centralizes emergency authority
Gives one person, the Chief of Police, the power to declare an emergency and call for help. This could be seen as removing an important layer of oversight from the Capitol Police Board.
When does this start?
This law became effective on October 1, 2021.