WASHINGTON (7News) — Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Monday morning that Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith will be stepping down.
Bowser is crediting Smith with helping the city reverse post-pandemic crime trends and restoring “a sense of safety and accountability,” according to a statement released by the mayor’s office.
Bowser said Smith took over the department during a difficult period for the city, stepping into the role with “no time to waste.”
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In her first year, Bowser said, Smith played a key role in launching the Real-Time Crime Center, expanding new public-safety technology and working with the D.C. Council on legislation aimed at strengthening accountability.
According to Bowser, violent crime and homicides fell dramatically under Smith’s tenure, with the homicide rate dropping to its lowest point in eight years.
Smith released a full statement Monday:
“I am deeply humbled, grateful, and deeply appreciative of my time with the District of Columbia. Serving as Chief of Police has been the greatest honor of my career, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser for appointment me to this position and to the DC Council for their steadfast support throughout my tenure.
This role has been both challenging and rewarding. I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved together, and I thank the residents of this city for their trust and partnership. While my aspiration has always been to see zero percent crime, we are not there yet. Nonetheless, we have made tremendous progress, and there remains important work ahead.
I am confident that the department is in a strong position and that the great work will continue, moving in a positive trajectory to combat crime and enhance public safety. Washington, DC is an extraordinary place to live, visit, and work, and I remain inspired by the resilience and spirit of this community.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity as Chief of Police. It has been an honor to lead the men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department, and I will always carry with the me the pride of having served this city.”
See Bowser’s full statement below:
“When Chief Smith stepped up to lead the Metropolitan Police Department, we had no time to waste. She came in at a very challenging time for our community, when there was significant urgency to reverse the crime trends our city was facing post pandemic. Within a year of her tenure, we opened the Real-Time Crime Center. We deployed newer and better technology. We worked with the Council to pass comprehensive legislation that prioritizes accountability.
And Chief Smith got all of this done while also navigating unprecedented challenges and attacks on our city’s autonomy.
Chief Smith dramatically drove down violent crime, drove down the homicide rate to its lowest levels in eight years, and helped us restore a sense of safety and accountability in our neighborhoods. We are grateful for her service to Washington, DC.”
Smith has been in her role for a little over two years. 7News’ Scott Taylor was told her last day is Dec. 31.
Smith made history as the first African American woman to serve as the department’s chief in its 230-year history.
“We are grateful for her service to Washington, DC,” Bowser said.
This announcement from Bowser comes weeks after the mayor announced she won’t be seeking reelection.
Smith previously served as the Assistant Chief of the Homeland Security Bureau (HSB), which includes the Special Operations Division and the Joint Strategic & Tactical Analysis Command Center. The Arkansas native joined MPD back in May 2022. She also served as a United States Park Police officer for 24 years.
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