As 2025 ended, the District of Columbia saw a second consecutive year of significant declines in violent crime. While reported numbers show progress, federal and local officials remain at odds over the accuracy of the data and what it means for public safety.
Tag: Metropolitan Police Department
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Smith gives impassioned farewell speech, challenges ‘haters’ as interim MPD chief steps up
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Bowser announced Dec. 17 the appointment of Jeffery Carroll as interim police chief in the District. According to a news release from Bowser’s office, Carroll currently serves as Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) executive assistant chief of specialized operations, a position to which he was appointed by […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Smith, Bowser respond to congressional panel accusing D.C. leaders of manipulating crime data
Allegations of crime data manipulation in Washington D.C. police department surface as Republican-led committee investigates.
Posted inUncategorized
Pamela Smith announces resignation from D.C. police chief role
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith announced she will resign at the end of the year, closing a historic tenure marked by decades of service and unprecedented federal oversight of the District’s police force. In her statement she thanked city leaders and residents and said the department remains strong as it moves forward.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. community rallies against police violence following three killings in one week
Activists from various organizations gathered at a vigil and rally to honor three Black men killed by police in Washington, D.C., and to call for justice and an end to police violence.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Council advances key bills on RFK Stadium, housing
The D.C. Council passed major measures on stadium funding, housing, policing and youth curfews Sept. 17. The decisions will impact public safety, housing affordability and economic development across the city.
Posted in!Front Page National News
47th U.S. president threatens to take over D.C. police again over immigration enforcement
By Gary Fields and Chris Megerian President Donald Trump on Sept. 15 threatened to once again federalize Washington, D.C.’s police force, in what he suggested could come in response to the city’s mayor’s stated refusal to cooperate with immigration enforcement. Trump’s emergency order, which took over the local police force, expired last week. Hours before […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Don Beyer to reintroduce bill requiring body cameras for federal police
Del. Norton Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-At-Large) and U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.-08) will soon reintroduce legislation requiring all federal police to use body and dash cameras, citing urgent needs for transparency and accountability after recent abuses of power in Washington, D.C.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Local officials respond to 47th president’s federal takeover of D.C. police department
The 47th president has declared a national crime emergency in Washington, D.C., placing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control amid concerns over rising violent crime. However, local leaders, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, argue that crime is actually declining and criticize the move as an unprecedented overreach of federal authority.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Supporting D.C. youth after incarceration: A second chance at success
By DaQuan LawrenceAFRO International WriterDLawrence@afro.com Although there was a 75 percent decline in national youth incarceration between 2000-2022, at the end of 2022 there were approximately 27,587 youth offenders held at 1,277 juvenile facilities across the United States, including detention centers, residential treatment centers, group homes and youth prisons, according to the Office of Juvenile […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Mayor Bowser expands youth curfew with an eye to public safety
Mayor Muriel Bowser has signed emergency legislation expanding D.C.’s youth curfew to address rising juvenile crime, allowing earlier curfews in designated zones and extending coverage to 17-year-olds. The measure equips police with more flexibility and aims to prevent disturbances in high-traffic areas while supporting youth safety and engagement.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ex-Washington police officer convicted of lying about leaks to the Proud Boys leader
Retired Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Lamond was convicted of obstructing justice and making false statements after leaking confidential information to the leader of the Proud Boys extremist group, Enrique Tarrio, who was under investigation for burning a Black Lives Matter banner.