💨 Abstract

In 2025, President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., federalizing the local police force. This move, unprecedented under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, led to confusion over command structure and operational strategies. The MPD's chief of police, Pamela Smith, will report through the vice-mayor, but the federal government will oversee police services. Additional federal agents, including FBI personnel, were deployed but face concerns over training and resource allocation.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff