Pamela A. Smith appointed as DC's new police chief

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser has selected Pamela A. Smith, a former U.S. Park Police chief, as the new police chief for the District of Columbia. Smith, who joined the D.C. police department just 14 months ago, has experience as an assistant chief in charge of homeland security. If confirmed by the D.C. Council, she will be the second woman and the first Black woman to permanently lead the agency. Smith takes over at a critical time as the city is grappling with rising homicides and violent crime.