Capitol Police Promote 2 Women To Upper Ranks of Department

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Capitol Police promoted two women to inspector positions, giving the department six female inspectors, the most the department has ever had. Inspector is similar to the position of major in other police departments.

The promotions were among 23 promotions that Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yoganada Pittman announced Monday. They come almost three months after the police department was unable to prevent supporters of former President Donald Trump from storming the Capitol.

"The USCP supports the development and retention of a diverse workforce," Pittman said. "It is critical that the leadership of the Department leverages its collective knowledge and talents to focus on the needs and expectations of its diverse workplace. It is truly an honor to promote these new leaders."

Pittman replaced former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, who resigned in January after he was criticized for being ill-prepared to respond to the deadly mob of Trump supporters.

The Jan. 6 insurrection resulted in the loss of five lives, including U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Two other officers — Capitol Police officer Howard Liebengood and Metropolitan Police Department officer Jeffrey Smith — died by suicide in the days after the insurrection.

Captains Jeanita Mitchell and Denea Newell were the two women promoted to inspector. Mitchell was assigned to the Protective Services Bureau’s Investigations Division, while Newell was assigned to the Operational Services Bureau’s Special Operations Division.

In other moves, Inspector Jason Bell was promoted to deputy chief of the Operational Services Bureau.

Eric Graves and Tia Summers were promoted to captain, while Bradley Kennerly and George McCree were promoted to lieutenant.

Sixteen officers were promoted to sergeant: Kareen Blaise, Daniel Clancy, Marcus Fleming, Michael Flores, Kimberly Flowers, Brendan Kiely, Bretton Klaich, Andre LaGamba, Kevin Marshall, John O’Meara, Samona Proctor, Andre Walker, Anthony Warner, Keith Weaver, Brittney Weems and John Whittle.