Overview
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said a months-long review found widespread misclassification of offenses that made Washington’s crime appear lower than it was.
- Pirro said investigators examined more than 6,000 reports and interviewed over 50 witnesses in reaching the findings.
- She stated the alleged conduct does not currently warrant criminal charges and called on the department to address the practices internally.
- The MPD reported a 35% year-over-year drop in crime, while FBI figures that include additional assault categories showed roughly a 10% decrease.
- Pirro contrasted prosecution practices by saying the prior U.S. attorney declined more than 65% of arrests, while her office pursues over 90%, and she credited the federal surge with reductions she cited in homicides, carjackings and robberies after thousands of arrests.