House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has opened an investigation into claims that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., manipulated crime data. The move follows whistleblower disclosures and recent reports that MPD leadership may have directed staff to falsify crime statistics to lower reported crime rates.
In a letter addressed to MPD Chief of Police Pamela Smith, Comer referenced a recent settlement in which senior MPD officials were accused of falsifying D.C. crime statistics. The committee is now seeking documents, information, and transcribed interviews with District Commander Michael Pulliam as well as commanders from all seven patrol districts.
“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. 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. 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. In light of these reports and a related whistleblower disclosure made to the Committee, the Committee requests documents and information, as well as transcribed interviews with the District Commanders of each of the seven patrol districts, including Commander Pulliam, to assist its investigation of this matter,” wrote Chairman James Comer.
A whistleblower familiar with internal operations at MPD told the committee that manipulation of crime data was widespread and allegedly ordered by senior officials. According to this source, although action was taken against one commander, similar issues could affect all seven patrol districts because leadership reportedly instructed commanders to downgrade charges routinely.
“The whistleblower stated this manipulation is accomplished by supervisors—with only a cursory understanding of the facts and circumstances of the crime—ignoring the judgement of patrol officers who actually interviewed witnesses and collected evidence by recommending reduced charges. On August 11, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order entitled, “Restoring Law and Order in the District of Columbia,” to combat the city’s crime crisis. This Executive Order is a direct response to a lack of faith in city leadership to put an end to high levels of violent crime. All those living, working, and visiting our nation’s capital deserve a safe city, and misleading the public through manipulation of crime statistics could further erode faith in city leadership and law enforcement in general. As the Committee of jurisdiction over the municipal affairs of the District of Columbia, it is imperative that the Committee determine whether legislation is needed to ensure that city law enforcement are enabled to perform their duties without pressure to manipulate data for the benefit of superiors.”
James Comer currently represents Kentucky’s 1st district in Congress after succeeding Ed Whitfield in 2016 (https://comer.house.gov/about). He previously served in Kentucky’s House from 2001 until 2012 before moving on to national office (https://ballotpedia.org/James_Comer). Born in Carthage, Tennessee in 1972, Comer resides in Tompkinsville at age 50. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a BS degree in 1993.
Read the letter here.
