Overview
- The interim report, released Sunday, draws on transcribed interviews with commanders from all seven MPD patrol districts and a suspended former commander.
- Commanders said they were directed to downgrade offenses into non-public intermediate categories, including reducing assault with a dangerous weapon to endangerment with a firearm and reclassifying burglaries as unlawful entries.
- Testimony describes a climate of intimidation and retaliation under Chief Pamela A. Smith, with alleged demotions and transfers for reporting rising crime and a resulting hit to morale and retention.
- Chief Smith announced her resignation effective December 31, and Chairman James Comer called for her immediate departure as the committee continues seeking documents and warns crime statistics remain at risk of manipulation.
- Mayor Muriel Bowser defended MPD and credited recent crime declines to officers and Smith’s leadership, while the Justice Department is also investigating the department’s crime data practices.