U.S. Capitol Police Chief Phillip D. Morse Sr., 43, was named to the department’s top position last month.

The 21-year veteran of the department will oversee 1,500 officers with a budget of nearly $250 million, making it one of the 20 largest in the nation.

What are some of the biggest issues that the U.S. Capitol Police face?

The department has experienced enormous growth since 9/11. We have developed new response capabilities, we have added personnel, put in technology and increased our relationship with local and state law enforcement agencies. The challenge is to manage that growth and then conduct long-term planning.

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The department has been criticized for allowing a drug-crazed man to enter the Capitol with a gun.

The public has every right to expect the highest standards of service and protection. I expect us to meet those standards every day. When we fall short, it’s my duty to review why that occurred and what we can do to prevent it from occurring again. We are doing that now. We have taken corrective action, and further improvements will be made when the analysis is concluded.

You managed the security for the 2004 Democratic and Republican conventions and the 2004 Bush inauguration. It seems like that would be difficult and daunting. What was that like?

It was an honor to be given the responsibility. What impressed me was the level of cooperation and unity of purpose among all law enforcement agencies. It really wasn’t daunting because I had the benefit of working with a seasoned and dedicated team of law enforcement professionals.

Why do you think you’ll be an effective police chief?

I’ve worked a variety of assignments and I committed myself to achieving a master’s degree in management. With this experience and knowledge, combined with an understanding of the culture, challenges and potential for making fundamental improvements, I feel that I can bring the organization together so that we can protect and serve the legislative branch. As I said at my swearing-in, this job is bigger than any one of us, but it is not bigger than all of us. – Scott McCabe