DC police officials face termination after federal probe found department manipulated crime data: report

By Fox News · Fox News

Several high-ranking Washington, D.C., police officials are facing termination amid an investigation alleging that law enforcement leaders manipulated crime data to create a false perception of safety. Two assistant chiefs are among three officials recommended for discipline, FOX 5 DC reported . Assistant Chief LaShay Makal and Second District Commander Tatjana Savoy have been placed on administrative leave, according to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) spokesperson. The MPD declined to explain why the two were removed from duty, according to the news outlet. Fox News Digital has reached out to the MPD, the Justice Department and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for comment. DOJ INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE DC CRIME DATA MANIPULATION AMID TRUMP'S CRACKDOWN ON VIOLENCE A federal investigation found that the MPD misclassified crime reports, making crime statistics across Washington, D.C., appear "artificially lower." The findings were based on a review of nearly 6,000 reports and interviews with more than 50 witnesses, showing that D.C.’s crime numbers were significantly understated, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said at the time. Two federal reports were produced in late 2025 regarding the matter — one by the Justice Department and another by the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee. The probe began as President Donald Trump initiated a federal crackdown in the nation's capital amid public safety concerns. He argued that crime was worse than city statistics showed as he moved to take temporary control of the force. Pamela Smith stepped down as MPD chief in 2025, during the investigation into the department's crime statistics. DC POLICE CHIEF RIPPED FOR 'MIND BLOWING' RESPONSE TO BASIC POLICING QUESTION: 'YIKES' The House report, titled "How D.C.’s Police Chief Undermined Crime Data Accuracy," alleged Smith prioritized public image over actual crime reduction, often using humiliation and retaliatory transfers to silence subordinates wh…