Washington interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll announced on Tuesday that 13 officers have been placed on administrative leave in connection with an internal investigation into how the department compiles crime statistics. This matter has also drawn scrutiny from Congress and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Investigation Details
Speaking at a press conference, Carroll stated that the officers were placed on leave on Monday following an investigation that began earlier this year after a referral from the U.S. Attorney's Office. He declined to provide specifics about the investigation, saying only that allegations of misconduct were made and investigated, leading to the current outcome.
Carroll emphasized that none of the officers have been fired and that they retain administrative rights, including the ability to request an "adverse action panel" composed of high-ranking officers who will review evidence and determine if discipline is warranted. "The administrative process must be allowed to take its course," he said.
Background of Scrutiny
The police force's crime statistics collection has faced widespread scrutiny over the past year, particularly after President Donald Trump issued a monthlong emergency order last summer that federalized the police force and launched a federal law enforcement operation in Washington. Trump has repeatedly cited a drop in crime during and after the surge as evidence of success, but Mayor Muriel Bowser and other officials contend that crime was already declining.
Republicans and the administration responded by questioning whether data was manipulated, limiting the perceived success of the surge. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Justice Department conducted separate investigations.
Congressional and Federal Findings
A December report by the House Committee found that then-Police Chief Pamela Smith often threatened and retaliated against commanders who presented crime spikes, pressuring them to manipulate data to artificially lower crime rates. A separate investigation by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office also found misclassification of reports to understate crime. Neither investigation resulted in criminal charges, but Pirro urged the MPD to address underlying issues.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer called the personnel action "a step in the right direction" but demanded the internal report and related documents to ensure accountability.
Ongoing Reforms and Investigations
Carroll, who became interim chief in December, said assessments and training on data submission are underway for officers. He added that the internal investigation will not be released publicly. Despite the controversy, Carroll expressed confidence in the crime statistics used for daily deployment, noting success in reducing homicides, shootings, and carjackings over the past three years.
Mayor Bowser has also called for an independent investigation by the city's inspector general, which began in January.
