The Department of Justice Investigating Allegations of Crime Data Manipulation by Washington, D.C. Police

The Department of Justice is currently looking into claims that the Washington, D.C. police department may have manipulated crime data to present a more positive picture of the city’s safety, according to sources familiar with the matter.

President Donald Trump recently criticized the alleged manipulation of crime data, suggesting that it was an attempt to create a false sense of security in the city. Following his concerns, Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department in response to a series of high-profile crimes and an ongoing crime wave in the District.

Accusations of Data Manipulation

Just before the federalization of the police force, there were accusations that the D.C. police department had been altering crime statistics to show a decrease in crime rates. The D.C. Police Union chairman, Gregg Pemberton, claimed that officers were being instructed to report lesser offenses instead of more serious crimes like shootings or carjackings.

Commander Michael Pulliam of the D.C. police department was suspended for allegedly falsifying crime data to make it appear more favorable for the city. Despite denying the allegations, Pulliam faced scrutiny for his handling of crime statistics in his district.

Response to Federalization

While Trump’s decision to federalize the police force has been met with criticism from Democratic lawmakers and local residents, who argue that violent crime in the city is actually at a 30-year low, Trump has defended his actions, claiming that Washington, D.C. will soon become the safest city in the country.

Crime Trends in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. has seen fluctuations in crime rates over the past few years, with homicides reaching a 20-year high in 2023. However, there was a decrease in violent crime in 2024, according to data from the Metropolitan Police Department.

Despite the reported decrease in violent crime, a study by the Council on Criminal Justice found that the lethality of violent crimes in Washington, D.C. has increased significantly in recent years. The city had the highest lethality level among 17 large U.S. cities analyzed in the study.

Trump’s Stance

President Trump has remained steadfast in his belief that crime data in Washington, D.C. has been manipulated, vowing to ensure the city becomes crime-free. He has emphasized the need for accurate crime statistics and has expressed confidence that the city will soon be safer for its residents.