Administrative Leave for Police Employees Amid Data Manipulation Claims
On Monday, over a dozen employees from the Metropolitan Police Department were placed on administrative leave following accusations of altering crime data to present a misleading picture of safety in the area.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll announced that 13 officers had been suspended with pending termination. Interestingly, he mentioned that some of these officers were already on leave for other reasons.
Carroll characterized the actions leading to this situation as corruption that has jeopardized public safety and trust, allowing serious offenders to evade justice. “This is unacceptable,” he stated.
Interestingly, he clarified that no layoffs have occurred at this time.
Earlier this year, the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau conducted an investigation into the crime reporting systems, prompted by a referral from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Allegations of misconduct have emerged, and certain members are under investigation due to these claims. The findings are pertinent to these individuals,” Carroll explained to the media.
Despite the ongoing scandals regarding crime statistics, Carroll maintained that the department has made significant strides in crime reduction over the last three years, citing declines in homicides, shootings, and carjackings since 2023.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has also launched its own investigation into the alleged manipulation of crime statistics. This scrutiny follows an interim report released in December, which alleged that MPD leaders pressured their commanders to classify serious offenses as misdemeanors.
Carroll mentioned that the department is collaborating with the commission regarding this ongoing investigation.
The D.C. Police Union, which has long accused the Metropolitan Police Department of data manipulation, welcomed these disciplinary actions against multiple employees. Union president Greg Pemberton expressed that accountability is necessary, stating, “The command and staff responsible must be held accountable—not just for undermining thousands of dedicated employees but for the residents of the District of Columbia who deserve honest leadership and true public safety.”
After the allegations surfaced, former police chief Pamela Smith resigned in December, asserting that she never directed any changes to crime statistics. Additionally, former chief Michael Pulliam faced suspension last year related to similar allegations.
