Police Leave 13 Officers Over Crime Data Questions

The Washington Police Department has put thirteen officers on administrative leave after an internal probe into how crime figures are recorded. The move followed a federal referral earlier in the year and comes amid congressional scrutiny of the department’s data practices. Interim chief Jeffery Carroll announced the leave at a press briefing, noting that no officers have been dismissed yet. He explained that the department follows a formal review process where higher‑ranking officials evaluate evidence and decide on any discipline. The chief said the investigation will continue behind closed doors. The department’s crime‑reporting system has been under fire for months. A federal emergency order last summer, backed by the former president, sought to curb crime in Washington by deploying additional federal officers. City officials argued that crime was already on a downward trend, while the administration claimed the surge made the city the safest in the country.Congressional hearings and a Justice Department inquiry both highlighted concerns that crime data may have been altered. One report suggested that a former police chief pressured subordinates to adjust numbers, and another found misclassifications that lowered reported crime rates. Neither investigation led to criminal charges. House Oversight Committee chair James Comer welcomed the department’s action as a positive step but urged that full internal documents be released to confirm accurate reporting and hold those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, the city’s mayor has requested an independent audit by the inspector general. Chief Carroll said training on proper data entry is underway and that crime statistics still guide daily patrol decisions. He expressed confidence in the numbers while acknowledging the need for transparency.