The Justice Department is currently conducting an investigation into allegations that the Washington, D.C. police may have manipulated data to present a misleadingly low crime rate. Two senior law enforcement officials confirmed the probe to NBC News, indicating that it is being led by the U.S. Attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro.
This investigation follows reports from NBC affiliate NBC4, which revealed that Metropolitan Police Department commander Michael Pulliam was suspended and placed on leave in May. This action was taken after allegations surfaced that Pulliam was involved in altering crime data. Pulliam has publicly denied these accusations, but the scope of the investigation is expected to extend beyond him, potentially implicating other police and city officials in wrongdoing.
As of now, the specific charges that could arise from this investigation remain unclear. The Washington Post was the first to report on the formal nature of the Justice Department's probe. The investigation has gained significant attention, with notable figures weighing in, including President Donald Trump, who referenced the issue in a recent social media post.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump accused D.C. officials of providing "fake crime numbers" to create a deceptive perception of safety. He described the situation as "very bad and dangerous," asserting that it warranted serious investigation. Trump also highlighted his efforts to enhance safety in the area by mobilizing federal law enforcement officers and the National Guard, emphasizing that Washington, D.C., had recently been labeled the most unsafe city in the United States.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has defended the actions of the D.C. police, referencing data that suggests a 26% decrease in violent crime compared to last year. She argues that Trump's federal intervention in the police department is unnecessary. However, this assertion faces scrutiny from Gregg Pemberton, the head of the D.C. Police Union, who has expressed concerns regarding the accuracy of the reported statistics.
Pemberton stated, "There are some concerns about the accuracy of the numbers," suggesting a possible pattern of managing crime statistics to show a reduction. He acknowledged the possibility of a decrease in crime but deemed the reported figures as "preposterous." "What we know from the streets is that crime is pervasive," Pemberton said, emphasizing that officers regularly respond to incidents of robbery, carjacking, stabbings, and shootings.
As the investigation unfolds, neither the Justice Department nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office has commented on the ongoing inquiry. The Metropolitan Police Department has also not immediately responded to requests for comment. The implications of this investigation could have significant effects on public trust and policy regarding law enforcement in Washington, D.C.
