James Comer is Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. | https://oversight.house.gov/chairman-james-comer/
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer announced on April 28 that the committee is seeking all documents and communications related to an internal investigation into alleged manipulation of crime data by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.
The request comes as part of an ongoing inquiry into how crime statistics have been reported in the nation's capital. The issue is significant because accurate crime reporting is essential for public trust and effective policy decisions.
In a letter to MPD Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll, Comer said, “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is continuing its investigation of Metropolitan Police Department’s practices regarding the reporting of D.C.’s crime data. In December 2025, the Committee released an interim staff report detailing findings that then-MPD Chief Smith ‘pressured and at times directed commanders to manipulate crime data in order to maintain the appearance of low crime in the nation’s capital.’ Following the Committee’s report, [Interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll] also said that an MPD independent audit team would examine crime reports to, ‘make sure they’re being classified appropriately.’”
Comer further stated, “Recently, the Committee was made aware that MPD’s Internal Affairs Department’s investigation has been completed and contains substantiated claims against individuals in MPD leadership positions. The Committee therefore seeks documents and communications to assist in its continued investigation. If MPD refuses to provide the requested documents and communications, the Committee may pursue the compulsory process to compel document production.”
The House Oversight Committee previously released a staff report outlining concerns about former Chief Pamela A. Smith's role in directing changes to reported statistics.
As this inquiry continues, observers will be watching for any additional actions taken by either congressional investigators or local authorities.
