Police look to tone down holiday debauchery at Capitol

The U.S. Capitol Police Board is asking Congress to help them ensure more responsible revelry during its annual summer concerts, according to a letter sent earlier this month.
 
The March 12 message to House and Senate leadership claims Capitol police are struggling each year with growing debauchery at Washington’s Memorial Day and July Fourth celebrations. They are now seeking reforms to tighten security, cut overtime costs and reduce alcohol-related incidents.
 
{mosads}“The enormous number of attendees inside the Capitol and on the terrace on both Memorial Day and July 4, places undue pressure on the Capitol police and therefore increases the risk not only to the Capitol but to members, staff and attendees alike,” according to the letter, first reported by CNN.
 
Parties beset the Capitol each year during both holidays’ televised concerts and fireworks. The popular fetes thus draw large crowds consisting of lawmakers, their staff, organizers and revelers.
 
Congressional law enforcement officials said they have made no arrests but concerns remain over order and safety.
 
“Due to the large number of unescorted guests inside the Capitol, it is virtually impossible for Capitol Police to maintain the integrity of all private areas and offices within the building,” the letter claimed.
 
Capitol police believe two changes will ease their burden. They first proposed limiting access inside the Capitol building to only Congress members with offices there and any related guests. This would reduce the amount of informal foot traffic in or near the building, the letter said.
 
The U.S. Capitol Police Board is also asking that post-concert receptions receive a change of venue. They would move such events to the U.S. Botanic Garden, thus reducing their screening efforts at the Capitol.
 
This second request is controversial, given that it would halt annual honors at Statuary Hall for wounded military service members and veterans. The ceremonies are adjacent to the Capitol Rotunda and are beloved for the stately, powerful atmosphere there.
 
Cost is also a factor. The letter states that “setup, rehearsals and the concerts themselves” cost taxpayers $735,252 for 12,174 hours of police overtime in 2014.
 
The Capitol Visitor Center, built to screen Capitol guests before entering the building, also cost $621 million.
 
Capitol Police said they are asking for reforms “in light of the current heightened threat environment.” 
 
The growing presence of alcohol consumption, meanwhile, means changes are vital “to reduce the potential for a breach of decorum or conduct that could prove embarrassing to the Congress,” the letter argued.
 
The U.S. Capitol Police Board’s request called on a bipartisan array of Congressional leaders from both chambers for help.
 
It was addressed to Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).