DC Police Chief Remarks on Federal Support
WASHINGTON – DC Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith stated on Tuesday that local and federal law enforcement will collaborate following President Trump’s directive from Monday, affirming that her 3,400 personnel are ready to work together.
Smith, a Democrat, along with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, attended a meeting at the Department of Justice with newly appointed enforcement leaders, including drug enforcement official Terry Cole, who is in charge of the MPD.
During the meeting, there was a discussion about maximizing the benefits of increased executive support. This comes as federal agencies, including the Border Patrol, FBI, DEA, and US Park Police, are sending more law enforcement personnel to the area.
National Guard units will also be deployed in the capital, though they won’t have the authority to make arrests.
Bowser, who previously had conflicts with Trump on police matters, expressed a desire to ensure the involvement of National Guard and federal forces to address prevalent crime.
“We have more police forces available, and we want to utilize them effectively,” the mayor stated.
After her meeting with Cole, Chief Smith remarked that she believed this initiative could be beneficial. She specifically mentioned her interest in federal assistance for removing “illegal guns” from the streets.
Smith emphasized, “We’re here to collaborate with our federal partners,” mentioning that such support would be essential in targeting crime areas that need attention.
According to Trump’s announcement, the federal MPD has the authority for up to 30 days under the Home Rule Act of 1973, which permits limited autonomy within the district.
To continue the federalization of D.C. police beyond the 30-day period, Congressional action will be required.
In his announcement, Trump referenced a series of notable local crimes and challenged Bowser’s assertion that violent crime rates are at 30-year lows, alluding to a local controversy regarding pressure on the MPD’s crime statistics last month.
