A House Committee report released Sunday alleges that Washington, D.C.’s police chief, Pamela Smith, pressured subordinates to alter crime statistics, while a separate U.S. Attorney investigation found misclassified reports.
The Oversight and Government Reform Committee, led by Republicans, said Smith repeatedly threatened, punished and retaliated against commanders who presented her with spikes in crime. The report found that she often pushed for a more frequent use of “intermediate” criminal charges that go unreported, as opposed to serious charges that must be publicly reported.
Jeanine Pirro’s office, appointed by President Trump, began its investigation in August amid a federal takeover dispute between the Trump administration and the city. It reviewed nearly 6,000 police reports and interviewed more than 50 witnesses, concluding that a significant number of reports had been misclassified to make crime appear artificially lower.
Neither investigation found grounds for criminal charges. Pirro said, “However, it is up to MPD to take steps to internally address these underlying issues.” Smith, stepping down at the end of the year after two years in charge, denies manipulating crime numbers. She told Fox 5: “I have never and will never authorize or even support any thought processes or activities with regards to crime numbers being manipulated.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser defended Smith, accusing the committee of rushing to judgment to serve a politically motivated timeline. She wrote to the committee chair and ranking member: “It is my expectation that the crime statistics we publish and rely on are accurate and of the highest quality possible.” Bowser also highlighted crime data, noting homicides are down 31% this year, from 181 in 2024 to 125 with two weeks left in 2025, and that independent hospital data shows a 33% drop in firearm injuries for the first 10 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The committee’s findings are based in part on interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts and a former commander on leave. The commanders testified that Smith cultivated a culture of fear to achieve her agenda, a claim echoed by Republican chairman Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, who said, “Every single person who lives, works, or visits the District of Columbia deserves a safe city, yet it’s now clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in our nation’s capital.”
Pirro’s statement added, “The uncovering of these manipulated crime statistics makes clear that President Trump has reduced crime even more than originally thought, since crimes were actually higher than reported.”
Key Takeaways
- The House Committee report accuses Chief Pamela Smith of pressuring subordinates to manipulate crime data.
- Jeanine Pirro’s investigation found nearly 6,000 reports misclassified, but no criminal charges were filed.
- Mayor Bowser and Rep. James Comer criticize the committee’s findings and defend the city’s crime statistics.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between Washington, D.C.’s local government and the federal administration over police oversight and crime reporting.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
When not tracking a developing story, Morgan enjoys exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, attending local events, and connecting with residents to share the voices and experiences that define the community.
