Amid Crime Decline and Federal-Local Law Enforcement Collusion, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith Resigns

December 9, 2025

Washington D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith announced her resignation effective December 31st, citing personal reasons and a desire to rest after 28 years in law enforcement. Her departure occurs amid multiple controversies, including a congressional investigation into alleged MPD crime data manipulation and community concerns about collaboration between local police and federal immigration enforcement agencies. During her tenure since summer 2023, Smith oversaw significant crime reductions including a 52% decline in shootings and decreased homicides, while implementing controversial measures like juvenile curfew zones.

Who is affected

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith (resigning)
Mayor Muriel Bowser (searching for replacement)
MPD officers and recruits under Smith's command
D.C. Police Union members
David Warren Childs (killed by MPD officer on November 18)
Deanwood community residents
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Anthony Lorenzo Green
Undocumented immigrants detained by ICE
Two Black motorists shot at by Homeland Security Investigations agents
Organizer and clergyperson Michael Campbell
Organizer Ron Moten
D.C. Council members
Youth subject to emergency juvenile curfew measures
D.C. residents and visitors engaged in community outreach programs

What action is being taken

Chief Smith is stepping down on December 31st
The U.S. House Oversight Committee and Department of Justice are investigating allegations that MPD manipulated crime data
ICE continues to detain individuals perceived as undocumented
Federal agents (HSI and others) are conducting patrols with MPD through the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center
MPD's Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting an investigation into the officer-involved shooting of David Warren Childs
The officer who shot Childs has been placed on administrative leave
Mayor Bowser is searching for Smith's successor
The D.C. Council approved an extension of the emergency juvenile curfew to April 15, 2026
Federal law enforcement agents are assigned to all seven MPD districts, attending roll calls and patrolling with crime suppression teams

Why it matters

This resignation represents a significant leadership transition during a critical period for D.C. policing and community relations. The timing raises questions about accountability, as Smith's departure coincides with federal investigations into data manipulation and growing controversy over federal-local law enforcement collaboration that many community members believe erodes trust and endangers vulnerable populations. The debate reflects fundamental tensions about policing philosophy—whether aggressive enforcement strategies and curfews effectively address crime or whether community-centered approaches focused on prevention, mental health support, and transparency are needed. For a district without statehood, these issues are compounded by congressional intrusion into local affairs and federal enforcement actions that local leaders have limited power to control, making the choice of Smith's successor particularly consequential for the future direction of public safety policy.

What's next

Smith will officially end her tenure on December 31st
Mayor Bowser will search for a new MPD chief, with the D.C. Police Union requesting collaboration in selecting someone who prioritizes rank-and-file officers and community trust
Within 30 days of Judge Beryl A. Howell's ruling, the court will check whether the Trump administration follows the order barring warrantless immigration arrests
The emergency juvenile curfew will remain in effect until April 15, 2026
The Bowser administration is expected to outline Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities for youth recreation
MPD's Internal Affairs Bureau investigation into David Warren Childs' shooting death will continue

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer