DC Police Chief Steps Down Amid Crime Data Controversy

Pamela A. Smith, the DC Police Chief, has resigned after just over two years in the role. Her departure comes as the city faces serious allegations of tampering with crime statistics.

Department of Justice Investigation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating claims that some crimes were not reported accurately. For example, some murders might have been recorded as accidents, potentially making the crime rate appear lower than it actually is.

White House Response

Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, has called this a "massive scandal." He claims that the true extent of the crime problem in DC has been hidden. The DOJ is digging deep to find out exactly what happened and who was involved.

Internal Whistleblowing

Inside the police department, officers have been keeping records of crimes they believe were misclassified. They allege that managers were downgrading serious crimes to make things look better. For instance, robberies might have been called thefts, and dangerous assaults might have been reported as less severe.

Greggory Pemberton, the DC Police Union Chairman, has been assisting the DOJ and Congress with this information. He believes the department has been dishonest with the public.

Congressional Investigation

The House Oversight Committee is also investigating and is expected to release a report soon. This report could reveal even more about what has been going on. The officers who have been keeping records are frustrated and want the truth to come out.

Chief's Resignation

Pamela A. Smith has stated that she is leaving to spend more time with her family. After 28 years in law enforcement, she feels it is time for a change. However, her resignation comes at a time of great controversy. The future of the DC Police Department remains uncertain.