Oversight Committee Unveils Report on Police Chief’s Crime Data Manipulation

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has released a significant interim report regarding crime data manipulation within the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C. The report details coercive practices employed by MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith, who allegedly pressured commanders to distort crime statistics to portray a false sense of safety in the capital.

Chief Smith’s Pressure Tactics Exposed

According to testimonies gathered from commanders across the seven D.C. patrol districts, Chief Smith fostered a culture of fear and intimidation. Commanders reported feeling compelled to report artificially low crime rates, prioritizing misleading statistics over genuine crime reduction efforts.

• Under Chief Smith, commanders faced threats and retaliation for presenting realistic crime data.
• The testimony highlighted a troubling environment that contributed to declining morale among officers.

Chairman James Comer’s Statement

Chairman James Comer underscored the seriousness of these allegations, stating, “Every person in D.C. deserves a safe city. It’s clear the public was misled about crime rates.” He called for an urgent resignation from Chief Smith, emphasizing that the ongoing manipulation of data erodes public trust in law enforcement.

Findings of the Interim Report

The interim report presents several critical findings and recommendations:

• Manipulated Crime Data: Chief Smith insisted on the manipulation of crime statistics, including the use of lesser charges not visible in public reports.
• Federal Assistance Effective: Following President Trump’s Executive Order on August 14, 2025, the deployment of the D.C. National Guard has been shown to effectively combat crime.
• Retaliatory Environment: Officers reported facing punitive actions from Chief Smith for providing accurate crime figures.
• Ongoing Risks: Even after Chief Smith’s anticipated resignation on December 8, 2025, risks of data manipulation remain a concern.

Recommendations Moving Forward

The Committee recommends that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser appoint a new Chief of Police committed to addressing ongoing issues related to crime data manipulation and fostering a healthier environment for MPD personnel.

This investigation highlights the crucial need for transparency and accountability within D.C.’s law enforcement agencies, ensuring that public safety is prioritized above all else.