Federal and congressional probes released in mid-December 2025 allege that Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department misclassified thousands of crime reports to make public crime statistics appear lower. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said her office reviewed nearly 6,000 reports and interviewed more than 50 witnesses, concluding a “significant number” were misclassified but finding no basis for criminal charges. A Republican-led House Oversight Committee interim report, drawing on interviews with the seven district commanders and a suspended commander, says Chief Pamela A. Smith pressured and at times instructed commanders to downgrade offenses, fostered a culture of fear and retaliation, and discouraged reporting of incidents that would appear on daily public tallies. Smith announced her resignation on Dec. 8 and denies ordering manipulation. Mayor Muriel Bowser defended MPD and cited declines in homicides and firearm injuries in 2025. The findings sharpen scrutiny of the August federal intervention ordered by President Donald Trump and increase pressure for internal reforms, independent audits and continued congressional oversight of D.C. crime reporting.