Bowser: DC needs ‘hundreds more police’ as Trump federal takeover ends soon
Washington, D.C. Mayor Calls for Increase in Police Force as Federal Takeover Ends
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the need to “add hundreds more police” to the city’s force as the Trump administration’s federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department comes to a close.
Bowser emphasized the importance of bolstering officer retention and recruitment, highlighting a new labor agreement between the District of Columbia and the DC Fraternal Order of Police.
“Since I have been mayor, in the last ten years, it has been my priority to ensure that we’re hiring the best of the best. That we are retaining the officers that we need to keep D.C. safe. And we’ve always believed that getting back to 4,000 officers is our goal. So, currently, we have a lot of room to grow our department,” Bowser stated.
The mayor revealed that 135 new recruits have been hired this year, with 124 cadets entering the pipeline. The current number of sworn officers stands at 3,188, and the new agreement will deliver a 13% pay increase to officers, sergeants, lieutenants, and above starting October 1st.
President Trump’s Federal Control Ending
In early August, President Donald Trump imposed a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., placing the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. This emergency is set to expire on Sept. 10, according to Bowser.
Bowser’s office issued an order continuing the work of the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center to manage the District’s response to the Presidential declaration of emergency.
Decrease in Crime Rates
The mayor highlighted a noticeable decrease in violent crime in the District since August 11, 2025, attributing it to the cooperative efforts between District and federal officials.
Bowser clarified that the mayor’s order does not extend the Trump emergency but instead lays out a framework for exiting the emergency. She emphasized the need for clarity to Congress regarding federal resource usage in the city.
Continued Progress
Attorney General Pam Bondi reported 92 arrests and 27 illegal firearms seized in Washington, D.C., with notable arrests including homicide suspects and assaults against law enforcement.
As discussions continue on the future of law enforcement in the city, Mayor Bowser remains focused on enhancing public safety and ensuring effective collaboration between local and federal authorities.
