Jeffrey Carroll Named Interim Chief of D.C. Police Department

The District of Columbia has appointed Jeffrey Carroll as the interim chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), succeeding Pamela Smith, who will leave the department at the end of 2025. Carroll, a veteran officer with 23 years of experience, has served as Smith’s deputy since 2023 and is stepping into a role marked by significant challenges in law enforcement and community relations.

During a news conference, Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed confidence in Carroll’s leadership abilities. “The department has been through an incredibly challenging year, and that’s on top of the day-to-day challenges that our men and women of MPD face every single day to keep our city safe,” she stated. “I am confident that Chief Carroll is the right leader to meet this moment.”

As assistant chief, Carroll oversaw daily operations and recently took a high-profile role following a tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of National Guard members. His leadership was further underscored when Kash Patel, the FBI Director, mistakenly referred to him as the chief during that time.

Carroll’s prior responsibilities included managing the Homeland Security Bureau, where he coordinated security for multiple significant events, including two presidential inaugurations and several state funerals. He has emphasized his commitment to leading the department with “integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of duty to the people we serve.” His goals include strengthening public trust and ensuring that every resident feels safe and respected.

The D.C. Police Union expressed optimism regarding Carroll’s leadership. Union chairman Gregg Pemberton indicated that Carroll’s tenure could represent a shift towards more transparent governance. “His proven track record in operational excellence and crisis management positions him uniquely to root out corruption,” Pemberton stated. This focus on corruption will be crucial in light of recent reports from the House Oversight Committee and the Department of Justice, which have accused the previous administration under Smith of manipulating crime statistics.

The DOJ report noted, “There appears to have been a significant increase in pressure to reduce crime during Pamela A. Smith’s tenure as Chief of Police that some describe as coercive.” Allegations include misclassifications and the downgrading of criminal offenses to present a more favorable crime rate. In July, an MPD commander was suspended for allegedly altering crime statistics, further complicating the department’s credibility.

Another pressing issue Carroll will face is the ongoing federal oversight in D.C. under the Trump administration, particularly concerning immigration policies. The administration’s partnership with the National Guard has intensified scrutiny on the MPD, especially regarding its operational independence. The National Guard continues to assist the MPD amid personnel shortages, a situation that has drawn mixed reactions from local leaders.

Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, highlighted Carroll’s extensive experience in handling the unique challenges faced by law enforcement in the nation’s capital. “If you think about Washington, D.C., and you think about what Washington has been through in the past 20 years, Jeff Carroll has played a key role in dealing with all of it,” he remarked.

Despite his appointment, Carroll, a resident of Maryland, will need to relocate to D.C. to comply with local laws requiring the chief of police to be a district resident. It remains unclear whether Mayor Bowser will submit his name for confirmation by the D.C. Council, which is mandated within 180 days of his interim appointment.

As the MPD embarks on this new chapter, Carroll’s leadership will be closely monitored, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges surrounding public safety, community trust, and departmental integrity.