DC Police Chief Pamela Smith to Step Down After Two Years

DC Police Chief Announces Departure

Pamela Smith, Chief of Police at the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, will step down from her role after just over two years in the position. This change affects the leadership of the primary law enforcement agency serving the nation's capital.

Federal Takeover of Metropolitan Police Department

On August 11, 2025, in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump announced that the Metropolitan Police Department would be placed under federal control. The announcement concerned the governance and operational oversight of the police department.

The decision to place the department under federal control was made public during an event at the Wilson Building in Washington, DC. During this event, President Trump described the federal action involving the Metropolitan Police Department.

National Guard Deployment in the District

As part of the August 11, 2025 announcement, President Trump stated that he would deploy the National Guard to the District of Columbia. The stated purpose of this deployment was to assist in crime prevention in Washington, DC.

The National Guard deployment was described as a measure intended to support efforts to address crime in the nation's capital. This deployment formed a component of the broader federal response associated with the announced takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.

Press Conference at the Wilson Building

On August 11, 2025, Pamela Smith spoke at a press conference at the Wilson Building in Washington, DC. The press conference took place after President Trump announced the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and the deployment of the National Guard.

During this appearance, Pamela Smith participated in the event as Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police Department. Her role at the time placed her at the center of the developments related to federal control of the department and the associated public statements made in Washington, DC.