The District News

DC police misclassification scandal: 13 officials face firing after internal probe

An internal affairs review of the DC Police Department found officials manipulated crime classifications to lower reported crime, including a sergeant recategorizing thefts as lesser offenses or lost property. The 554-page report cites about two dozen additional potential reclassifications and has led to 13 top officers facing termination, with the department under federal scrutiny. While investigators criticized leadership, there’s no evidence former chief Pamela A. Smith ordered misclassification; reforms are being implemented under interim leadership.