DC police chief accused of fudging crime data in blistering report days after resignation announced

Police Chief Pamela Smith’s push to lower crime statistics by any means necessary has been met with backlash and criticism from the House Oversight Committee. The committee’s scathing report, issued on Sunday, revealed that Smith pressured district commanders to misclassify certain violent offenses in order to artificially lower reported crime numbers.

The report raises doubts about the accuracy of DC’s crime data, which showed a significant decrease in violent and property crimes last year. President Trump had previously suggested that the data was manipulated to create a false sense of safety, and the committee’s findings appear to support his claims.

According to interviews with seven DC police district commanders, Smith was focused on reducing the number of select crimes that were publicly reported, to the point where she incentivized her subordinates to manipulate the data. Commanders reported feeling pressured to downgrade criminal charges and faced consequences if they did not comply.

One commander, Michael Pulliam of the 3rd District, was suspended and placed on paid leave after being accused of manipulating crime data. The report also highlighted instances where assault charges were downgraded to avoid public scrutiny, with one commander stating that there was a directive to avoid charging cases as “assault with a dangerous weapon” in order to keep the crime numbers low.

Smith’s emphasis on statistics reportedly led to a culture of misclassification within the DC police department, where burglaries were labeled as “unlawful entry” to avoid being included in the daily crime report. Commanders testified that Smith would berate them for reporting certain crimes, especially those that would be publicly disclosed.

The House Oversight Committee’s report comes on the heels of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement that Smith would resign this month, further fueling speculation about the connection between the report’s findings and Smith’s departure. The committee’s investigation also revealed that approval for criminal charges had to go through multiple levels of management, including executive assistant chiefs of police, before being classified in the system.

It remains to be seen how the DC police department will address the allegations of data manipulation and misclassification raised in the report. The findings have raised concerns about the integrity of crime reporting in the nation’s capital and the impact on public safety. Mayor Muriel Bowser stood alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and other authorities at a press conference addressing the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The incident, which occurred on November 27, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the city and raised concerns about the safety of those tasked with protecting the capital.

The Metropolitan Police Department’s lack of response to media inquiries has only added to the mystery surrounding the shooting. The community is looking to their leaders for answers and reassurance in the wake of this tragic event.

In light of recent events, it is important to reflect on the changes in policing that have taken place in the nation’s capital. When former President Trump took control of policing in D.C. following the fatal shooting of a congressional intern and the assault of a Department of Government Efficiency employee, local officials initially expressed concerns. However, crime data showed declines in serious offenses during this period, prompting some to reconsider their stance on federal intervention.

Mayor Bowser, who initially opposed Trump’s federalization of policing, eventually acknowledged the impact of the federal crackdown on crime rates in the city. She authorized the deployment of National Guard troops and federal agents to support local law enforcement, highlighting the collaborative efforts to maintain public safety.

Despite differing opinions on the federal intervention, the overarching goal remains the same – to ensure the safety and security of residents in Washington, D.C. The partnership between local and federal authorities is crucial in addressing the complex challenges faced by the city and its residents.

As investigations into the shooting of the National Guard members continue, it is essential for authorities to work together to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. Mayor Bowser’s presence at the press conference signifies her commitment to transparency and justice in the face of adversity.

The shooting of the National Guard members serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by those who serve and protect our communities. It is a call to action for leaders at all levels to prioritize public safety and work towards a future where incidents like this are no longer a reality.