DC to name interim police chief amid crime data controversy

Jeffery Carroll will be named D.C.’s interim police chief following the resignation of Pamela Smith and amid allegations that police officials manipulated crime data, sources familiar with the decision told News4 Wednesday.

Carroll, the executive assistant chief of Specialized Operations at the Metropolitan Police Department, is stepping in as the department deals with ongoing federal investigations and accusations that Smith directed commanders to manipulate crime data. It’s an allegation Smith and Mayor Muriel Bowser firmly deny.

Bowser’s office said she would announce the interim chief moments after News4 confirmed through multiple sources that Carroll would take the position. She’s scheduled to make the announcement at 1:30 p.m.

Carroll has been responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the police department and Smith assigned him to the executive assistant chief in 2023.

He began working at the department more than 20 years ago and has served in several positions throughout MPD over the years, according to a bio for Carroll on the MPD website.

Smith’s departure from MPD

Smith announced earlier this month that she would be stepping down from the department. Her last day was set for Dec. 31.

In an interim report, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said the chief tried to make it appear that crime is lower in the nation’s capital than it actually is.

The report, labeled “Leadership Breakdown: How DC’s Police Chief Undermined Crime Data Accuracy,” highlights a report from News4’s Paul Wagner, who reported this summer about allegations of crime data manipulation.

Smith was under pressure about crime statistics for months. The House committee’s report was the second federal report in just two days to call out Smith for allegedly manipulating stats to make the city appear safer. The report also accuses her of creating a toxic culture.

Stay with News4 for updates to this developing story.

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