Capitol Police officers are getting more guidance on how to handle their firearms during bathroom vi

(20 May 2015) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: A CLIENTS ONLY POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY Washington - 20 May 2015 1. U.S. Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine walking into hearing 2. SOUNDBITE: Kim Dine, U.S. Capitol Police Chief: ++starts off-camera++ "I unequivocally understand the concerns regarding the recent issues related to the mishandling of weapons by some of our officers. There are no excuses for these mistakes. The department takes these incidents very seriously and we will rely on our disciplinary process to provide the framework for accountability." 3. Wide of hearing 4. SOUNDBITE: Kim Dine, U.S. Capitol Police Chief: "We are now providing additional training on what to do when you have to go to the bathroom. Obviously, while these acts are not done on purpose they are unacceptable. One cannot leave your weapon anywhere. It has to be secure at all times and so those acts will be dealt with firmly and effectively, but we've enhanced the training. We've made that now additional training as part of our biannual certification process." 5. Rep. Candice Miller, R- MI and Chair of the House Administration Committee speaking 6. SOUNDBITE: Kim Dine, U.S. Capitol Police Chief: "The first offense for mishandling a weapon typically receives a five or more day suspension without pay. I am considering increasing the minimum penalty to up a 30-day suspension all the way to termination for a first offense. And potential termination for any subsequent offense. This is not offered in response to these instances but rather my belief that any liability type of violation warrants strict disciplinary action." 7. Exchange between Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pa and Dine speaking about talking with congress more 8. Dine shaking hands with Brady and speaking to him after hearing STORYLINE: Capitol Police officers are getting more guidance on how to handle their firearms during bathroom visits after officers accidentally left their guns in the Capitol's public restrooms three times this year. One gun was found by a child. "We are now providing additional training on what you have to do when you go to the bathroom," Capitol Police Chief Kim C. Dine told Congress on Wednesday. Dine said there is no excuse for officers accidentally leaving their guns in public bathrooms. He said the officers were being disciplined, but he did not name them. A first-time offender typically would be suspended for at least five days, he said. Dine said he is considering increasing the minimum penalty to a 30-day suspension for a first offense, and termination for a subsequent violation. Dine testified before the committee following several embarrassing episodes at the Capitol, including a protester who flew a small gyrocopter onto the grounds of the Capitol in April. Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pa., said the lost guns and other incidents have him questioning the leadership of the police force. Brady is the top Democrat on the committee, which oversees security at the Capitol. He asked the chief of police to speak with Congress more often. Dine, chief for 2½ years, promised to communicate better with lawmakers. =========================================================== Clients are reminded: (i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: [email protected] (ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...