Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department is facing a new investigation into its crime data reporting practices, as announced Monday by the city’s inspector general. This probe adds to mounting scrutiny over how the force collects and reports crime statistics.

Inspector General Daniel Lucas informed interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll that his office aims to “assess the design, implementation, and operation of MPD’s internal control system for collecting, classifying and reporting crime data and statistics.”

The investigation comes in the wake of a controversial federal intervention last summer when President Trump issued a monthlong emergency order that temporarily federalized the city’s police force. The Republican administration claimed the action was necessary to address crime in the nation’s capital.

Questions about the integrity of MPD’s crime data gained significant attention following a report released last month by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The congressional investigation alleged that former Police Chief Pamela Smith pressured subordinates to manipulate department data, threatened commanders who reported crime increases, and retaliated against those who presented unfavorable statistics.

A separate probe conducted by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office revealed that a significant number of MPD reports had been misclassified, creating an artificially lower crime rate. Pirro’s investigation began in August during the federal law enforcement surge ordered by Trump.

Despite the serious allegations of data manipulation, neither investigation found grounds for criminal charges. Pirro stated it was the department’s responsibility to address “these underlying issues” internally.

The District’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, had requested the inspector general’s involvement following the earlier reports. A spokesperson for Bowser emphasized this point in response to Monday’s announcement.

Throughout the controversy, local officials have maintained that crime was already declining before the federal operation began. According to MPD statistics, the District recorded 127 homicides in 2023, representing a 32% decrease from the previous year. Critics contend that data manipulation may have obscured the true impact of increased law enforcement presence, including National Guard members deployed during the federal intervention.

Smith, who has since stepped down from her position as chief, has disputed the allegations that crime statistics were manipulated during her tenure.

When appointed as interim chief, Carroll acknowledged the controversy and outlined several remedial measures. These include enhanced training for officers in crime classification and the creation of a dedicated audit team to ensure proper classification of reports.

At the same press conference, Mayor Bowser expressed her dissatisfaction with previous investigations, stating they “leave a lot to be desired in terms of evidence and context and any back and forth with the affected agency.” This criticism appears to have motivated her request for the inspector general’s independent examination.

The investigation highlights ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over crime control in Washington, D.C. As a federal district with unique governance structures, the city’s law enforcement practices frequently become entangled in national political debates.

The inspector general’s investigation will likely focus not only on specific instances of potential misclassification but also on systemic issues within the department’s reporting structure that could enable manipulation of crime statistics. Law enforcement experts note that accurate crime data is essential not only for public transparency but also for effective resource allocation and policy development.

The outcome of this investigation may have significant implications for public trust in the Metropolitan Police Department and could potentially lead to comprehensive reforms in how the agency collects, verifies, and reports crime statistics.