WASHINGTON — House Republicans launched an investigation Monday into “disturbing allegations” that Washington, DC officials tampered with the District’s crime data.
“The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating disturbing allegations that DC crime data is inaccurate and intentionally manipulated, potentially at the direction of Metropolitan Police Department leadership,” House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said in a statement.
“MPD has a duty under federal and local law to accurately report crime to the public. However, in May, MPD placed Third District Commander Michael Pulliam on administrative leave following allegations that he altered crime reports,” Comer added.
“Unfortunately, this practice does not appear to be isolated, nor is it a recent development. MPD recently entered into a settlement agreement related to allegations that senior MPD officials were engaged in falsifying crime statistics to artificially lower reported crime rates.”
The Oversight panel initiated the investigation following whistleblower testimony and has requested records and transcribed interviews with commanders of each of the seven patrol districts — including Pulliam.
