In the midst of a crime crisis, the D.C. Council unanimously confirmed Pamela Smith as the new chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Violent crime in the District has increased by 40% from 2022, including a 33% increase in homicides. Robberies have also gone up and carjackings have almost doubled, but Chief Smith has revealed a plan to combat increasing crime.
Smith has over 25 years of law enforcement experience with the United States Park Police, where she rose through the ranks and became Chief of Police in 2021.
Some community members doubt Smith’s ability to reduce crime due to her background outside of the MPD.
“When crime is at a 20-year high, [Mayor Bowser] chooses a park ranger when we need a marine general at war,” said Ward 6 resident Brian Mulholland. “And [crime] hasn’t decreased one bit since Pamela Smith has become chief.”
At her confirmation roundtable, Smith unveiled an updated strategic plan for the MPD to decrease crime and increase feelings of safety.
This plan includes a violent crime suppression initiative, a robbery suppression initiative to combat increases in robberies and carjackings and a traffic safety compliance checkpoint program.
The plan also includes people-based strategies, including increased gun violence investigations, a community-focused patrol unit, a robbery suppression unit, a juvenile curfew and a school safety and engagement division.
Smith’s plan relies on a whole-of-government approach to address violence and crime, which has been praised by Councilmembers Christina Henderson and Brooke Pinto. By working alongside other District agencies such as the Department of Behavioral Health and the Department of Education, Smith aims to uncover and address the underlying causes of crime.
“Chief Smith is able to solidify cross-agency relationships and improve community policing to meet the needs of all affected residents,” Henderson said. . “I trust that she will because lives are very much at stake.”
To the praise of many council members, Smith has also become involved in communities across the district. The chief has spoken at various local churches, community meetings, youth lunches and conducts weekly community walks to engage with residents.
Many residents are confident that Smith’s community engagement will help reduce crime.
Rahman Branch, a Ward 8 local and former head of the mayor’s office for African-American affairs, said District communities often feel unheard and marginalized. He stressed the importance of Smith’s community-focused approach to address people’s needs and tackle crime.
“We must acknowledge that crime prevention is multi-faceted and requires addressing root causes collaboratively with the community, and the shift can only come with the change in leadership,” Branch said in support of Smith’s appointment.
Smith also wants to foster increased community engagement and accessibility throughout the department to increase community trust and cooperation with police. She plans to have more officers patrolling on foot to promote feelings of safety and deter crime, which has been requested by many community members.
“It’s time cops here were more visible and connected with the community they’re supposed to protect and serve,” says Charles Stanchik, a Ward 3 resident.
As an ordained Baptist minister who has served as a youth pastor, Smith plans to work with youth and their families to reduce crime. Teenage gun violence has been a major issue in the District, resulting in the deaths of fifteen children this year.
Smith will be launching Blue Table Talks, where she and other MPD senior staff will talk with at-risk youth to hear their perspectives and point them in the right direction. She also plans to reinstate the Chief’s Youth Advisory Council to collaborate with the District’s youth.
Some residents worry that these proposed initiatives may not be effective in preventing youth crime.
“So the lawlessness will only continue, if not escalate, because the new police chief wants to coddle these kids,” said D.C. resident Des Bridgeman. “Unfortunately this will lead to more 12-year-olds in the morgue because people are getting tired of being victimized.”
Smith continues to work with the community and other agencies to find ways to address rising crime trends.
During a news conference, Smith urged the D.C. Council to pass The ACT (Addressing Crime Trends) Now Act of 2023, a public safety package introduced by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The legislation increases police resources and addresses organized retail theft, robberies and drug markets with heightened penalties and restrictions.
The D.C. Council is confident in Smith’s leadership.
“Her leadership style gives our community hope,” said at-large Councilmember Anita Bonds. “I believe she has the background and qualities that can repair the relationship between the police department and the community it serves.”