‘Drive down crime': DC's next police chief talks about her approach and priorities (2024)

As D.C. grapples with a crime crisis, the mayor announced her pick for the next chief of the Metropolitan Police Department: law enforcement veteran Pamela Smith.

Smith will become the first Black woman to permanently serve as D.C.'s police chief. With 25 years of police experience at the federal and local levels, she has served as the chief of the United States Park Police, as MPD’s first chief equity officer and as assistant chief of the Homeland Security Bureau.

📺 Watch News4 now: Stream NBC4 newscasts for free right here, right now.

When asked at a news conference Monday morning what her top priority will be as chief, Smith said: "Drive down crime." She said she offers a fresh perspective and a passion for public safety.

“The community wants the police to be the police and do so in a constitutional, safe and respectful manner. Make no mistake about it: I will be laser-focused to ensure we do everything we can in this space,” she said.

New police chief Pamela Smith cited 4 ways she will lead D.C. police to cut crime:

  • Targeting the deployment of officers to areas affected by crime
  • Engaging in long-term investigations focused on the most violent people
  • Leveraging a whole-of-government approach
  • Insuring the effective use of police officers

Smith said MPD already has many good practices in place and that she will aim to amplify successes and find solutions.

“She is resilient and ready for this role,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

Smith said in an exclusive one-on-one interview with News4 that residents can expect to see her often.

"What I want folks to know about Pamela Smith is that I will be a visible chief. I will conduct safety walks in all of our districts, PSAs. I will meet folks probably at inopportune times. Folks will see me showing up in places and spaces, not because other chiefs have not but because I live here and it’s important to me that the members feel safe in the District,” she said.

Smith will take over amid alarming crime, including deadly shootings of children and a surge in carjackings. Violent crime is up 36% this year so far, compared with the same period last year, with 2,062 reported crimes last year and 2,810 this year. Homicides are up 18%, with 113 people killed last year and 133 people killed this year.

She takes over a department of more than 3,000 officers as violent crime makes many feel unsafe. While she has two-and-a-half decades of law enforcement experience and years of experience with the Park Police, that department isn’t faced with pressures of a big-city police department such as murders and carjackings.

D.C.'s mayor announced her choice for the next chief of police. News4's Paul Wagner got reaction to the selection of Pamela Smith.

Union president says Smith's biggest challenge will be staffing

The D.C. police union supported Bowser’s choice. President Greg Pemberton said

he’s “excited” and “very optimistic.” He said Smith’s biggest challenge will be staffing.

“I think it’s promising,” he said. “I think she understands that right now the Metropolitan Police Department is in a crisis, particularly as it pertains to manpower and staffing, and as long as she is willing to admit that, I think that we have the ability to address that. I think this is one of those things the union and management can work together on to solve.”

As recently as March, former Chief Robert Contee said the department had a net loss of about 450 officers since 2020.

Pemberton blames the attrition on the D.C. Council.

“The city council has passed such onerous legislation through the Policing and Justice Reform Act that it’s impossible to go out and do your job, and I’m talking about professional, responsible, constitutional policing,” he said. “Officers can’t do that anymore without risking their lives, without risking their career, without risking criminal, administrative, civil penalties.”

Pemberton cited the number of arrests officers are making in the city.

“For example, from 2008 to 2018, it averaged around 40,000 to 45,000 arrests per year,” he said. “The number that we average now is around 15,000.”

Pemberton said the only way to turn it around is to have the D.C. Council rewrite some of the language in the bill they passed in June 2020.

News4 reached out to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Council member Charles Allen for comment and is waiting to hear back.

Police Chief Smith leads with empathy

Smith introduced herself as an Arkansas native who overcame a “childhood marked with turmoil and challenges,” including addiction in her family and years in foster care.

“I stand here today as someone who, as a child, I had no hopes, I had no dreams. They were far beyond my reach. But I believe that all things are possible,” she said with passion.

She was ordained as a minister nearly 20 years ago and serves as a youth pastor.

As a high schooler, Smith was a three-time All-American in track. Before beginning her career in law enforcement, Smith worked as a social worker and a probation officer. She said she joined the Park Police at 30 after an officer on horseback urged her to apply.

D.C.’s mayor announced her pick for the next chief of the Metropolitan Police Department: Pamela Smith.

Metropolitan Police Department (DC Police / MPD)Apr 27, 2023

‘You Carry the Weight of the World': DC Police Chief Opens Up About Retirement Decision

Crime and CourtsJul 11, 2023

DC approves emergency crime bills. Here's what changes

Smith will take over for former chief Robert Contee, who left the department this year for a job with the FBI. Ashan Benedict has led as interim chief.

Bowser said earlier this year that she would conduct a nationwide search for the next chief. She said Monday that she reviewed a "tremendous number" of candidates from D.C. and elsewhere.

Smith was sworn in Monday as acting chief of police and will need to be confirmed as chief by the D.C. Council.

She said on Monday that cutting crime is her focus but she wants to inspire young women too.

"Today I have a message for young women who are watching this today: No matter where you come from, no matter your challenges that you face or the adversity that is in your way, if you choose to serve in law enforcement or any other career, you become an integral part of any community,” she said.

News4 sends breaking news stories by email. Go here to sign up to get breaking news alerts in your inbox.

Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.

‘Drive down crime': DC's next police chief talks about her approach and priorities (2024)

FAQs

Why is it difficult for police chiefs to bring about paradigm shifts within their own police organizations? ›

Why is it difficult for police chiefs to bring about paradigm shifts within their own police organizations? Officers' receptivity to change. Other administrators receptivity to change.

What are the highest priorities to the police under the community policing philosophy? ›

The focus of community-oriented policing is not simply on response, but on preventing crime and resolving community problems. This philosophy rests on the belief that the police and the community must work together as partners to solve the contemporary challenges faced in today's society.

What is the main goal for police management according to the proactive approach deals with crime prevention? ›

Proactive policing can be defined as police work initiated by law enforcement agencies or officers that is intended to deter crime, reduce disorder, reduce citizens' fear of crime, or remedy other specific citizen concerns in a given area.

What police strategy emphasizes local support for and cooperation with police in preventing crime? ›

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.

What are the three biggest obstacles a police chief faces when implementing community policing initiatives in a police department? ›

The challenges of implementing community policing programs include marginalization, ambiguity around the philosophy and practices, and mixed interest among police officers.

What is the biggest future challenge for law enforcement and why? ›

Law enforcement agencies grapple with a range of challenges, including rising crime rates, budget constraints, recruitment and retention of qualified personnel, community relations, and the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime. These challenges demand strategic approaches and forward-thinking solutions.

How to build trust between police and community? ›

Building Trust through Transparency

Law enforcement agencies should be transparent in their policies and procedures and should provide the community with information on how they operate. This includes providing information on the use of force, how complaints are handled, and how officers are trained.

What is the most important goal of community policing? ›

Community policing can improve public safety in a range of ways. For example, it can provide community members with information on steps they can take to help prevent crime. Community policing can also provide law enforcement with specific information that can directly relate to strengthening public safety.

What do police prioritize? ›

PRIORITY 1: Emergency call which requires immediate response and there is reason to believe that an immediate threat to life exists. PRIORITY 2: Emergency call which requires immediate response and there exists an immediate and substantial risk of major property loss or damage.

What is the broken windows theory? ›

The broken windows theory states that visible signs of disorder and misbehavior in an environment encourage further disorder and misbehavior, leading to serious crimes. The principle was developed to explain the decay of neighborhoods, but it is often applied to work and educational environments.

What is the ultimate goal of policing? ›

The goals of policing are to promote a safe and secure society, to preserve the peace, to address crime, and to uphold the law.

What is reactive policing? ›

Reactive policing refers to a law enforcement approach where actions are taken in response to incidents or crimes that have already occurred, rather than proactively preventing them[1][2][5]. This method contrasts with proactive policing, which focuses on preventing crimes before they happen.

How to make police more effective? ›

High-Quality Training for Better Outcomes: Procedural Justice and De-escalation. Measures to improve accountability and fair policing also increase the effectiveness of law enforcement, which helps them to prevent and solve crimes and promote community safety.

What are the aggressive police strategies? ›

These techniques include the following:
  • Crackdowns on specific behaviors that generate fear in the community, such as intoxication, panhandling, and juveniles intimidating pedestrians. ...
  • Crackdowns on disorder-enabling lethal violence, notably the carrying of illegal guns in very high-violence areas.

What are the three policing strategies? ›

A well-known research study identified three main policing styles. They are the watchman, legalistic, and service styles.

Provide law enforcement officers with the ...50-State Reporthttps://50statespublicsafety.us ›

Facilitate partnerships between state behavioral health agencies and local law enforcement agencies. See Case Study: Mental health/criminal justice partnerships...
In reality, law enforcement officers are just one component, albeit an important one, in improving public safety and reducing crime. The community has an equall...

Welcome - Department of Justice

United States Department of Justice (.gov)
https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov
United States Department of Justice (.gov)
https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov
Publications and More779 publications • 16 categoriesSee the complete catalog. This Week's HighlightEthics and IntegrityExplore the topic. Recent Publicatio...

What are the top three most challenging issues facing law enforcement? ›

Here are this year's poll results:
  • Recruitment & retention: 48%
  • Risk of prosecution for on-duty actions: 21%
  • Officer wellness and morale: 17%
  • Media coverage of police issues: 7%
  • Crime spikes: 4%
  • Ambush attacks: 3%
Dec 15, 2023

What are the biggest reasons we are having a difficult time recruiting police officers? ›

In Brief: Law enforcement has yet to recover from a workforce decline due to the pandemic and protests against police. Many young people are concerned about pay and potential danger, preferring jobs that they can do remotely. Some departments are trying to tighten lengthy recruitment processes or offering bonuses.

What are some of the obstacles to police accountability? ›

The challenges to accountable policing lie within policies and practices at the municipal and department levels and legislation at the state level. Policies vary from one department to another, and police union contracts often erect significant hurdles to holding officers accountable that are not visible to the public.

Why are police chiefs considered the key figures in the police organization quizlet? ›

Why are police chiefs considered the key figures in the police organization? They set the vision and tone for the department.

Top Articles
Used Acura MDX for Sale in Mount Kisco, NY
Used Acura MDX for Sale in Village/Town of Mount Kisco, New York
Pomodoro Pizza Napoletana Liberty Menu
Toonily.m
Why does Greasyfork not work?
Vitamine kaufen | vitaminversand24.com
Why Terrifier 3 Turns Franchise's Original Final Girl Into A Villain Explained By Creator: "It's A Risky Move"
Tamilrockers Proxy 101: What Every User Should Know - NewsHalf
Victoria Vesce Playboy
Craigslist+bay+area+cars | Free Classifieds! Buy a car or truck, sell your home, find a job, house, apartment, boat and more. | NL Classifieds
His Only Son Showtimes Near Premiere Cinema Lubbock
Craigslist Trailers
The Best Home Pulse Oximeters | Digital Trends
Adelstochter - [3.25] Holy Flame Totem Scion -- League Starter -- HC / SSF viable - Forum - Path of Exile
Snowball.io Unblocked Wtf
I've traveled to all 50 states. These are the 7 most overrated tourist attractions in the US.
Caleb Schwab Autopsy Results
x^2-x-756=0 lösen | Microsoft-Matheproblemlöser
Fcs East Rhinos
Environmental Data Viewer
Go Upstate Mugshots Gaffney Sc
Stories by Foreign Authors (German II)/Ghetto Violet - Wikisource, the free online library
New Zealand News | NZ Herald
Poses Para Fotos De Graduación Mujeres
Annual Report of Employee Stock Plans (11-k)
Fargher Lake Labradors
The Isle of Siptah – Reiten und bauen mit ganzer Kraft! - Conan Exiles
Costco Gas Prices | CostContessa
Cars & Trucks - By Owner near Madison, WI - craigslist
Pokemon Infinite Fusion: 15 Best Fusions In The Game | PokemonCoders
Tools Usps Find Location
Siriusxm The Heat Top 35 List
Craftsman M250 160Cc Blade
Top 7 Hidden Ivies in the US: Stats + Tips
Metabolic Renewal Review
All Obituaries | Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Inc. | Shenandoah PA funeral home and cremation
Tubidy - Descargas gratuitas de música MP3 y vídeos MP4
Roman Numerals Converter
Angelcenter Passau | Regensburger Straße 35
Nicola Bulley's parents still speak to her every day and have sad daily ritual
Pudgie's Pizza Cortland Menu
Justin Mcdermott Minot Nd
1963 austin healey 3000 for sale - Tyler, TX - craigslist
Sun City Water Park | Valley of Waves | Water Activities
Atv.com.tr
Restored Republic Dec 19 2022
Vans in Philippines, Price List 2024, Specs & Reviews | Zigwheels
Pottery Barn New Port Richey
Nsfw Character Ai Petition
Edgenuity Unit Test: Comprehensive Overview on Student's Guide
Building Permits San Benito Tx
Buy US Dollars | Pound GBP to Dollar USD Exchange Rate
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 6069

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.