U.S. Capitol Police Chief Kim C. Dine plans to step down in January, capping a contentious three years as the Hill’s top cop.  

Dine’s retirement plans were announced to department employees Monday in an internal email. The move follows a 90-day period of intense scrutiny from the Capitol Police Board. In April, the chief submitted a resignation letter to Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Frank J. Larkin, House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul D. Irving and Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers. Many officers thought the chief was headed for the exits. Instead, Assistant Chief Daniel B. Malloy  abruptly retired, and a veteran deputy chief stepped into the No. 2 spot. It is unclear if Assistant Chief Matt Verderosa, who has had a 30-year career in federal law enforcement, will take over as acting chief.  

Sworn in on Dec. 17, 2012, after a 37-year career that began with D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, Dine has clashed with the department’s union leadership and other members of the rank and file . Members of Congress with oversight of the department also expressed concern about Dine’s performance, following CQ Roll Call’s May 1 report of unattended guns around the Capitol and lingering questions about disciplinary action.  

Dine’s Monday message, obtained by CQ Roll Call, expresses continued support and commitment to the job, with big events ahead including a papal visit.

Thank You for Your Support

Since December of 2012, I have been honored to serve as your Chief of Police. During
this time we have collectively accomplished our mission and addressed the day-to-day
activities needed to keep the Capitol Complex safe and secure. Since joining the
Department, I have gotten to know many of you and have continued to gain an ever
deepening respect for the United States Capitol Police and its rich history of serving the
Congress and this democracy.

As I near the end of my third year with you, I wanted to share with you that I have
decided to retire from the Department in January 2016. I have greatly enjoyed my time
serving as your Chief of Police and remain committed to each of you and our mission
until my retirement. Through our collective efforts, the Department is on a strong track
to meet our challenges as we head into the future.

I believe that it is important that we remain focused during my transition, as we are in
the final critical stages of the planning for the Papal visit to the U.S. Capitol and the
Department requires a focused leadership team during the implementation of our
security plans for this event, as well as during our transition between fiscal years and
the security planning leading up to the State of the Union in early 2016.

I would like to thank each of you for your commitment to this exceptional Department
and our mission. Further, I would like to thank the U.S. House of Representatives and
the U.S. Senate for their support of me and the Department. Lastly, I would like to
thank the Capitol Police Board for their guidance and support during my tenure.

I look forward to the next several months as we continue to advance the Department’s
strategic goals and objectives.

Related:

On Unattended Guns, Questions Linger for Capitol Police


Capitol Police Chief Submits Resignation Letter


Capitol Police Chief’s Leadership Questioned


Social Media Policy Stirs Up More Trouble Within Capitol Police Ranks


Capitol Police Chief’s Relationship With Union Hits New Low


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