Full Breakdown
Disciplinary Action Over Crime Data Manipulation in Washington’s MPD
5/8/2026, 11:45:54 PM
Administrative Action and Allegations
Interim Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Jeffery Carroll announced that thirteen senior officers—captains or higher—have been placed on administrative leave and served termination notices after an internal investigation into the department’s crime-statistics handling. The officers retain due-process rights, including an adverse-action panel, but none have been dismissed.
Investigation History and Federal Scrutiny
The probe began after a referral from the U.S. Attorney’s Office earlier this year. It follows two 2025 federal reports—a Justice Department review and a House Oversight Committee report—that documented systematic misclassification of crimes to lower reported rates. The Justice Department review, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, examined nearly 6,000 reports.
Key Figures and Union Response
Assistant Chief LaShay Makal and Second District Commander Tatjana Savoy are among those on leave. Police union president Greggory Pemberton, representing over 3,000 officers, demanded accountability. Former assistant chief Joshua Ederington called the action a “message of accountability.”
Alleged Reclassification of Crime Categories
Pirro’s investigation cited specific changes: assaults with a dangerous weapon recorded as reckless endangerment; burglaries listed as unlawful entry; thefts reduced to lost property. The Washington Examiner reported Savoy reclassified 390 thefts as misdemeanor property-without-right offenses.
Official Statements
Chief Carroll said the department follows MPD general orders and is confident in crime data, noting declines in homicides, shootings and carjackings since 2023. Mayor Bowser said the city awaits the inspector-general audit. Rep. James Comer called the disciplinary action “a step in the right direction” and requested the internal MPD report. U.S. Attorney Pirro said she was not surprised and praised Carroll.
Criticism and Opposition
Union president Pemberton said the command staff’s actions betrayed rank-and-file officers and the public, declaring “justice is being served.” Congressman Comer warned the department must ensure accurate reporting and hold responsible parties accountable, noting that prior data may have misled residents.
Conflicting Findings on Crime Trends
City officials cite steady declines in violent crime, while the union’s press release references a 1.72 % increase in violent crime for 2024 from FBI NIBRS data, contrasting with a reported 28.32 % decrease in the district’s own figures. Neither the Justice Department nor the House investigation resulted in criminal charges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The administrative process must be allowed to take its course, and that process is outlined in our MPD general orders,” — Jeffery Carroll, Interim MPD Chief
- “They actually took categories of crime like assault with a dangerous weapon and reduced it to reckless endangerment,” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C.
- “Justice is being served,” — Greggory Pemberton, President, D.C. Police Union
- “Every single person who lives, works, or visits our nation’s capital deserves a safe city, yet it’s clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in Washington,” — James Comer, Chair, House Oversight Committee
Future Oversight and Potential Reforms
The city’s inspector-general audit, launched in January, will review MPD reporting procedures. MPD officials said training on data submission is underway. Congressional leaders have asked for the internal investigation report, and the Justice Department indicated continued monitoring of the department’s practices.
