Justice Department Investigates D.C. Police Crime Data Manipulation

The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into whether Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department manipulated crime data to make crime rates appear lower, following allegations and reports that the city provided false crime statistics. This probe, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office, initially focused on MPD’s 3rd District commander Michael Pulliam, who denies the allegations and was placed on leave, but is now expected to examine other local officials for potential wrongdoing. President Donald Trump has publicly accused D.C. officials of fabricating crime numbers to create a false sense of safety, using this claim to justify his federal takeover of the city’s police force, the deployment of National Guard troops, and the declaration of a crime emergency. In contrast, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials maintain that crime has significantly decreased, disputing the need for federal intervention. The investigation has intensified the tensions between the Trump administration and local authorities, with some critics warning it could be politically motivated, while police union representatives highlight a disconnect between reported crime declines and the reality faced by officers responding to calls. The exact legal implications of manipulating crime statistics remain unclear, but the probe seeks to determine if false statements or fraud were involved in the production of the data.