The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., served termination notices to multiple high-ranking officials this week amid an internal investigation into the manipulation of crime statistics.

According to sources familiar with the probe, 14 officials received notices of termination, while five others face suspension, for a total of up to 19 disciplined leaders. The officials include two assistant chiefs, two commanders, two inspectors, and several captains. The notices indicate the department's intent to fire them, though they have the right to appeal through a disciplinary process that can take years.

The investigation uncovered systematic downgrading of crimes, such as reclassifying hundreds of thefts as misdemeanors like 'taking property without right' to create the appearance of declining crime rates. One example involved Second District Commander Tatjana Savoy, who allegedly directed captains to reclassify as many as 390 thefts. MPD crime data showed thefts dropping 10 percent from 2024 to 2025, amid an overall decline following a 2023 spike.

Several implicated officials did not attend a crime briefing early Monday, sources said. The Washington Post first reported the terminations, citing three officials familiar with the matter.

This action stems from long-standing concerns about crime data accuracy during the tenure of former Chief Pamela A. Smith, who resigned in December 2025. A draft Justice Department report from that month described MPD data as 'likely unreliable and inaccurate' due to misclassifications and noted a 'culture of coercive fear' under Smith, who allegedly pressured subordinates and humiliated officers failing to report low numbers. A U.S. House Oversight Committee report echoed these findings, detailing testimony from commanders about Smith's practices.

Concerns date back years, including a 2020 whistleblower lawsuit by former Sgt. Charlotte Djossou is alleging retaliation for exposing misclassifications and other issues. Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky recently requested investigation materials.

Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll is overseeing the department. MPD spokesperson Tom Lynch declined comment, citing personnel policies, as did the mayor's office. Former MPD Assistant Chief Joshua Ederheimer called the moves a 'message of accountability' and stressed the need for integrity in leadership replacements.

Mayor Muriel Bowser previously defended the crime data and Smith's leadership, attributing declines to effective policing and dismissing some scrutiny as politically motivated. The D.C. Police Union has questioned reported drops in violent crime.

The terminations represent a major shakeup in MPD's upper ranks at a time when the department operates with historically low staffing levels.