Ex-Chief Tapped for Security Position

Ramsey Will Help With Anti-Terrorism Plan at U.S. Capitol

Former D.C. police chief Charles H. Ramsey will work part time to enact an improved security plan on Capitol Hill. (By Linda Davidson -- The Washington Post)

Former D.C. police chief Charles H. Ramsey has been hired to study ways to make the U.S. Capitol more secure against a potential terrorist attack.

Ramsey, who stepped down in December after nearly nine years as chief, got the Capitol job through a longtime colleague, Terrance W. Gainer, the U.S. Senate's sergeant-at-arms. Gainer is a former Capitol Police chief and once was Ramsey's second-in-command at the police department. Their ties stretch back to their days with the Chicago police force.

Gainer said Ramsey will work part time with him to put an improved security plan in place. He is scheduled to begin work in a week to 10 days, Gainer said.

"The chief has agreed to come up and assist myself and the police board to further develop our anti-terrorism measures on the Hill," Gainer said in an interview. "We are crying out for a guy with Chuck Ramsey's skills and knowledge of the terrorism situation."

Ramsey already has a security clearance, "knows the city inside and out, knows the extent of the terrorism threat and understands how to counter it," Gainer said.

Gainer and other Senate officials are working through final details on the contract, including his pay, he said. The contract is one of several part-time projects Ramsey could soon be undertaking.

Ramsey said he also might be hired to provide security expertise to the D.C. Convention Center.

"I'm looking forward to it," Ramsey said of his work with the Capitol. "I want to continue to make a contribution. It's an opportunity to help Terry, and there are few things that are more visible in terms of a symbol of our country than the nation's Capitol."

Ramsey said he has received calls from several companies that want to hire him.

"I've certainly had a few offers," Ramsey said. "I want to listen and see what's out there. I'm taking it a step at a time. I want to stay local, stay involved and continue to make a contribution. The city has been good to me. And I enjoyed it here, that's for sure."

Ramsey, 56, the District's longest-serving chief in more than three decades of home rule, has said for months that he wanted to remain in law enforcement. In November, soon after being elected mayor, Adrian M. Fenty (D) announced plans to replace Ramsey with Cathy L. Lanier, 39, a 16-year veteran and Ramsey protege. Lanier took over in late December.

Last night, Ramsey was feted at a retirement party at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel attended by Fenty, Lanier, former Mayor Anthony A. Williams and other city leaders, as well as scores of local and federal law enforcement officials from throughout the Washington area.

"To me, chief Ramsey will always be the super chief," Williams said. "There are business leaders here, political leaders . . . people from all corners of the city. I rest my case."

More than 500 tickets were sold for the event at $75 each. Nine speakers toasted the former chief, including David Friedman, director of law enforcement initiatives for the Anti-Defamation League.

Friedman said Ramsey did much for the city during his tenure. Often on television and radio, Ramsey became a celebrity of sorts, recognized throughout the city. Only this week, Friedman said, he and Ramsey were finishing lunch when they were greeted by two city residents who wanted to express their gratitude to Ramsey.

"The chief was surprised by that," Friedman said in his speech. "But there are thousands and thousands of people in this community who would like the opportunity to thank you."