James Comer is Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. | https://oversight.house.gov/chairman-james-comer/
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer said on May 5 that the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., must provide records from its completed internal investigation into manipulated crime data. This statement comes after reports that several MPD officials received termination notices related to the issue.
The topic is significant because it involves the integrity of public safety reporting in the nation's capital and oversight of local law enforcement by Congress. Accurate crime statistics are important for residents, workers, and visitors who rely on truthful information about city safety.
"The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s decision to terminate officials responsible for manipulating crime data and cultivating a culture of fear to advance their agenda is a step in the right direction. But make no mistake: these terminations are a direct result of the House Oversight Committee’s work exposing dangerous efforts by local MPD leaders to artificially lower crime statistics. Committee Democrats and D.C. leaders should be ashamed for running cover for corrupt MPD officials and labeling this Committee’s investigation as a ‘political stunt.’ Every single person who lives, works, or visits our nation’s capital deserves a safe city, yet it’s clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in Washington. Our work is not done. I expect to receive MPD’s internal report and all related documents to ensure crime data is reported accurately and that anyone responsible for manipulation is held accountable,” Comer said.
According to background provided by Comer's office, the House Oversight Committee has jurisdiction over District of Columbia affairs and began an investigation on August 25, 2025 following whistleblower disclosures suggesting widespread manipulation of police statistics under then-Chief Pamela A. Smith. After interviews with law enforcement commanders conducted by committee staff, Chief Smith resigned on December 8, 2025.
A staff report released shortly afterward alleged that Chief Smith pressured commanders to alter data so as to present lower levels of reported crime in Washington. The report also described an environment marked by intimidation, threats, retaliation against officers raising concerns about these practices, declining morale among police personnel, and departures from experienced leadership within MPD.
On April 28 this year Comer announced that MPD's Internal Affairs Division had completed its own investigation into these matters with substantiated claims involving department leadership members; he now demands all related documents be handed over for congressional review.
Looking ahead, Comer indicated continued oversight efforts until all facts surrounding manipulated police data are made public and those responsible face accountability.
