Investigation Into Alleged Manipulation of Crime Data by DC Police

The Justice Department is probing claims that the Washington, DC police department may have altered crime statistics to present a misleadingly safer image of the city.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged the ongoing inquiry, emphasizing that the city has long struggled with high crime levels. He stated, “We’re investigating these allegations because the reality is that DC has been an extremely unsafe place for quite some time.”

The investigation, led by the office of DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, focuses on accusations that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) falsified crime data to artificially lower crime rates. If proven true, officials involved could face charges including fraud, obstruction, or making false statements.

Allegations of inflated crime data in DC predate recent law enforcement interventions ordered by President Trump aimed at reducing violence. For instance, Michael Pulliam, an MPD commander, was placed on paid leave in May amid an internal investigation into alleged alterations to crime figures. Pulliam denies any misconduct, although his union suggests that higher-ups ordered falsifications.

In a social media post, Trump accused DC authorities of fabricating crime data to create a false sense of security, calling it a “very bad and dangerous thing” that is now under serious investigation.

Although responses from the DC US Attorney’s Office and MPD have not yet been made, the investigation highlights concerns about the integrity of crime reporting in the city.