Following union calls for a vote of no confidence against the leadership of the Capitol Police, acting Chief Yogananda Pittman sent a message Tuesday to all USCP employees calling for unity.
"The events of that day took a toll on all of us and requires that we work together," Pittman said in the memo.
Last month, union chairman Gus Papathanasiou slammed the department's leadership, contending it knew about the dangers from the Jan. 6 protest and did little to prepare for potential violence.
He said it was "inexcusable" that nobody relayed this to officers prior to the insurrection.
Pittman recognized the efforts of those “fighting on the front line” and reflected on her own past experience as a civil disturbance unit officer and commander.
"I know firsthand it is not an easy job," Pittman wrote. “We all know how difficult the fight and sacrifice can be on ourselves and our loved ones."
"During these difficult times, it is important we remember that we are family, too,” Pittman said. “We are stronger united versus divided."
The acting chief also described steps she took to improve conditions for officers following the Jan. 6 riot, including efforts "to improve intelligence and operational communications with all officers, protect them against known doxing attempts, as well as ensure counseling and wellness support services are available not only to our employees, but to their family members as well."
-ABC News' Jack Date
