Chief J. Thomas Manger was appointed as the Chief of the United States Capitol Police in July 2021. Chief Manger has served 45 years in the policing profession, including more than two decades as chief of police for three of the largest police agencies in the National Capital Region. He was chief of police in Montgomery County, Maryland from 2004 to 2019 and previously served as the police chief in Fairfax County, Virginia from 1998 to 2004.  His leadership in regional law enforcement initiatives is extensive.

After graduating from the University of Maryland, Chief Manger began his law enforcement career in January 1977, when he was sworn in as a Fairfax County police officer.  He rose through the ranks to become chief of police.  He received numerous awards in Fairfax County, including the Silver Medal of Valor in 1993.

During his time as a police chief, Chief Manger received several national awards, including the 2007 Law Enforcement Award from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the 2016 Gorowitz Institute Service Award from the Anti-Defamation League, the 2018 FBI National Executive Institute Associates Penrith Award, the 2019 Major Cities Chiefs Leadership Award, and the 2022 William H. Webster Profiles in Leadership Award for Federal Law Enforcement.  Chief Manger was also inducted into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame in 2012.

In 2018, Washingtonian magazine recognized Chief Manger as one of the Washingtonians of the Year.  He also serves on the Cardinal’s Child Safety Advisory Board for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

Elected by his peers to national leadership positions, Chief Manger served from 2014 to 2018 as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), and from 2013 to 2017 as Vice President of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

Chief Manger and his wife, Jacqueline, have two children.

Manger briefed National Press Foundation fellows in January 2025: Capitol Police Enhance Security Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration.