Attorney General Appoints New Emergency Police Chief in D.C.

Attorney General Pam Bondy has named Terry Cole, the DEA head, as the “Emergency Police Chief” for Washington, D.C. This decision comes amid President Donald Trump’s initiative involving federal oversight of local law enforcement.

In a directive released on Thursday, Bondy emphasized that Cole would evaluate the authorities held by the District of Columbia’s Police Chief. She specified that any orders given by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) would require Cole’s approval.

The status of Police Commissioner Pamela Smith in this new arrangement remains unclear.

Brian Schwarb, the D.C. Attorney General, criticized Bondy’s actions as “illegal,” indicating that the police could not follow these new directives. Schwarb noted in a communication to Smith that MPD officers are obligated to adhere to commands from officials chosen by the mayor, not others.

Moreover, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her concerns on social media, stating that “there is no law” allowing federal officials to exert authority over district personnel.

Last week, reports revealed that President Trump had ordered federal law enforcement to patrol the streets of D.C. for a week to tackle violent crime, with federal agents coming from various agencies, including the FBI and ICE.

Bondy’s order follows a March executive directive aimed at enhancing federal involvement in regulating immigration laws within the district. This plan seeks to ensure compliance from sanctuary cities with federal immigration policies.

On Monday, Mayor Bowser described the president’s order as “unstable and unprecedented,” adding that while she found it surprising given past statements, it still left her unsettled.

Interestingly, the D.C. Police Union has publicly endorsed the president’s plan, with Chairman Greg Pemberton stating that crime in Washington, D.C. is rampant, and officers are reaching their limits.