The U.S. House Oversight Committee released interim findings Sunday alleging that Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith directed senior officers to alter crime statistics, masking the true state of public safety in Washington, D.C.
Smith announced she will resign effective Dec. 31 amid mounting scrutiny of her leadership practices.
The committee’s review included transcribed interviews with commanders from all seven patrol districts and one suspended former commander.
Investigators concluded that Smith “pressured and at times directed commanders to manipulate crime data to maintain the appearance of low crime” in the city.
Testimony described a workplace environment under Smith marked by intense pressure, threats and retaliation, which contributed to low morale and prompted many experienced officers to leave the department, according to LifeZette.
Committee investigators noted that such a culture can undermine the effectiveness of law enforcement and public trust.
The report also found that MPD leadership prioritized controlling public crime reports over addressing actual criminal activity.
Officers stated they were instructed to reclassify certain offenses to prevent them from appearing in daily public updates, raising concerns that city residents were not fully informed of real crime risks.
Former Police Commander Michael Pulliam, who was placed on administrative leave in May and later suspended, was implicated in these reporting practices.
According to The Blaze, Smith had previously stated that the department was addressing any inconsistencies, though committee findings suggest that meaningful corrective actions were limited.
Rising violent crime in Washington prompted President Donald Trump to issue Executive Order 14333 on Aug. 14, declaring a crime emergency in the city.
As Resist the Mainstream previously highlighted, the order placed the MPD under the authority of the U.S. Attorney General and authorized deployment of the D.C. National Guard to assist local law enforcement.
Committee testimony suggests federal involvement and the Guard’s presence have strengthened city safety and supported officer operations.
Rep. James Comer (R-KY), chairman of the Oversight Committee, emphasized that the public had been intentionally kept unaware of the true crime situation.
“Every resident, worker, and visitor in the District deserves a safe city,” Comer said. “The findings show that key information about crime rates was withheld from the American people, preventing both oversight and accountability.”
The interim report raises concerns that Smith’s internal reporting practices may have prevented Congress and the public from fully understanding crime trends prior to federal intervention.
Lawmakers stressed that continued oversight will be critical to maintaining transparency and accountability within MPD operations.
While no criminal charges are currently announced, the pattern of alleged behavior contributed to Smith’s resignation and renewed calls for reform within the department.
Additional investigation is ongoing, and the committee has indicated that more witnesses and documentation will be reviewed before a final report is issued.
Smith’s pending departure represents a notable shift in D.C. public safety management, highlighting the delicate balance between local authority and federal oversight.
As MPD continues under federal supervision, reforms aimed at restoring trust, improving morale, and ensuring accurate crime reporting will remain a priority.
These developments underscore persistent challenges in law enforcement leadership, particularly in high-profile jurisdictions where accurate data, transparency and public trust are essential.
Committee findings may serve as a model for monitoring urban police departments nationwide and ensuring accountability in reporting public safety conditions.
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