WASHINGTON — The rising crime rate and officer shortage were at the center of conversation at the DC Council today as the acting police chief began the first step of her confirmation process.
For about an hour, D.C.'s Acting Police Chief Pamela Smith fielded questions from councilmembers about the initiatives she’s implemented and how they translate into lower crime rates, efforts like a carjacking task force, violent crime initiatives, and ways to improve recruitment.
But faith leaders, advisory neighborhood commissioners (ANC), and concerned residents who came to council chambers had one urgent plea – that city leaders recognize the crisis we are facing and move quickly and aggressively to address it.
Top of mind: Tuesday's murder of a high school student walking home from school and the shooting death of a man caught in the crossfire. Neighbors killing each other, generations lost, families – afraid.
"We are failing to keep our kids safe, and we have to do everything humanly possible to change that," said Councilmember At-Large Kenyan R. McDuffie.
Brian Mulholland of the Mulholland Family Foundation was in attendance to voice opposition to Smith's confirmation.
At 209 homicides, the murder rate is the highest we've seen in two decades. At issue: Is Smith, a newcomer to DC Police but a 25-year veteran of law enforcement, and former chief of the U.S. Park Police, qualified to lead us out?
"I'm here not to ask you to confirm Muriel Bowser's choice for chief of police. When crime is at 20-year high, she chooses a park ranger when we need a marine general at war," Mulholland said.
Not everyone agreed with Mulholland.
Ron Williams Jr. said, "She's been tirelessly at meetings east of the Anacostia River in the community engaging and talking to residents."
Rahman Branch said, "It's encouraging to see a leader who empathizes the importance of building relationships."
And while 209 people were lost to violence, Councilmember Christina Henderson says 238 people lost their lives to drugs and encourages police to shut down open-air drug markets. Others suggest more collaboration with community partners, even calling in the National Guard for assistance.
The acting chief said police will be installing 22 new CCTV cameras and 21 new officers will be joining DC Police – the largest class in a year.
If approved by the DC Council, Smith will be the first Black woman to hold the position. Prior to joining DC Police, Smith served as a United States Park Police officer for 24 years. She began her law enforcement career in 1998, serving in field offices across the country (New York, San Francisco, Georgia, and Washington, D.C.). She was promoted to sergeant in 2009 and continued to move up the ranks until she was appointed to the position of Chief of Police, at US Park Police in February 2021.
Mayor Bowser announced her nomination back in July amid rising crime concerns. The District has now surpassed a total of 200 reported homicides this year. Following Wednesday's hearing, Bowser released a statement:
"I urge the Council to quickly confirm Acting Chief Smith so we can continue our efforts to reduce crime, keep our community safe, and build a safer, stronger DC.”
Smith will replace former Chief Robert J. Contee III. He announced his retirement in April to join the FBI.
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