Washington, D.C. Policing

Washington, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith announced her resignation (announced Dec. 8) and is expected to remain in the role through year-end; Mayor Muriel Bowser formally praised her tenure, citing technology upgrades including a Real-Time Crime Center and declines in violent crime and overall crime. Her departure comes after an interim House Oversight Committee report alleging she pressured commanders to downgrade offenses to lower reported crime figures—allegations Bowser called politically motivated and rushed, noting the committee did not interview Smith or assistant chiefs and relied heavily on quotes from a small number of officials.