Police Leave 13 Officers Over Crime Data Questions

A Federal Referral Sparks Internal Crackdown

The Washington Police Department (WPD) has placed thirteen officers on administrative leave following an internal investigation into alleged manipulation of crime figures. The move comes after a federal referral earlier this year and amid growing congressional scrutiny of the department’s data practices.

Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll announced the disciplinary action in a press briefing, stressing that no officers have been terminated yet. He outlined that the department follows a formal review process, where senior officials assess evidence before determining disciplinary action. The investigation, Carroll confirmed, will proceed behind closed doors.

Crime Reporting System Under Fire for Months

The WPD’s crime-reporting mechanisms have faced months of criticism, with concerns that data may have been tampered with. Key developments include:

• A federal emergency order last summer, backed by the former president, deployed additional federal officers to Washington, allegedly to curb crime.
• City officials contested the move, arguing that crime was already declining, while the administration claimed the surge made the city the safest in the country.
• Congressional hearings and a Justice Department inquiry raised alarms about potential data alterations, including:
• Allegations that a former police chief pressured subordinates to manipulate crime numbers.
• Findings of misclassified incidents that artificially lowered reported crime rates.

Despite these investigations, no criminal charges have been filed.

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Calls for Transparency and Independent Oversight

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer hailed the department’s decision as a "positive step" but demanded full internal documents be released to ensure accurate reporting and accountability.

Meanwhile, Washington’s mayor has requested an independent audit by the inspector general to scrutinize the department’s practices.

Chief Carroll, defending the integrity of the department’s crime statistics, stated that training on proper data entry is underway and that crime data continues to guide daily patrol decisions. While expressing confidence in the numbers, he acknowledged the critical need for transparency in rebuilding public trust.