Ex-chief Gainer to take Senate post

Former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Terrance W. Gainer was named yesterday to be the next sergeant at arms of the U.S. Senate.

The announcement was among a list of Democratic leadership appointments made by U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat and incoming Senate majority leader.

Mr. Gainer, who resigned in April, headed the Capitol Police force since June 2002. He resigned after it was brought to his attention that he had violated a 1967 law against nepotism when he hired his son-in-law as a police officer more than two years ago. Chief Gainer’s son-in-law also resigned from the force.

The nepotism charges surfaced after repeated clashes with congressional Democrats over the size and direction of the Capitol Police.

Mr. Gainer was also the Metropolitan Police Department’s executive assistant chief under Charles H. Ramsey from May 1998 until he joined the Capitol Police.

He replaces William H. Pickle, who had served since March 2003.

As chief law enforcement officer of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms is charged with maintaining security in the Capitol and all Senate buildings, as well as protection of the members themselves.

In addition, the Senate sergeant at arms sits on the Capitol Police Board, a three-member panel that has oversight of the force. The board also includes the House sergeant at arms and the architect of the Capitol.