Pamela A. Smith Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, D.C.

Chief of Police — Washington, D.C.

Identity & Appointment

• The current Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD) is Pamela A. Smith, confirmed by the D.C. Council on November 7, 2023, after serving in an acting capacity since July 2023 WikipediaMayor's Office.

• She is the first Black woman and second woman overall to hold this position in MPD's history WikipediaFOX 5 DC.

Background & Career Highlights

• Previous Role: She served as Chief of the U.S. Park Police (2021–2022), marking that agency's first Black female chief WikipediaIDGA.

• Joined MPD: In May 2022 as the inaugural Chief Equity Officer, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives Mayor's OfficeMPDC.

• Promotion: Elevated in April 2023 to Assistant Chief overseeing Homeland Security, Special Operations, Intelligence, and Strategic Command Mayor's OfficeIDGA.

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Vision & Current Focus

• Community Collaboration: She emphasizes building stronger police–community relationships IDGA.

• Recruitment & Retention: Prioritizes attracting and retaining officers, especially amid staffing shortages IDGA.

• Technology & Public Safety: Advocates using innovative tools to bolster safety and reduce crime IDGA.

• Gun Trafficking & Enforcement: Actively works to curb illegal weapons entering the city IDGA.

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Recent Context & Challenges

• In August 2025, President Trump invoked emergency powers to place MPD temporarily under federal control amid a crime surge. However, following intense pushback and negotiations, Pamela Smith remained in operational control, reporting to Mayor Bowser The Wall Street JournalThe GuardianCNBCCNN.

• She affirmed her leadership role, stating:

  “I am the Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department... I answer to Mayor Muriel Bowser.” RealClearPolitics