13 MPD Officers on Leave in Crime Stats Probe

Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department officials confirmed Tuesday that 13 officers, including several high-ranking leaders, have been placed on administrative leave amid an internal investigation into alleged manipulation of crime statistics. The probe centers on claims that supervisors downgraded serious crimes to less severe categories, potentially inflating perceptions of declining crime rates in the district.

Among those affected are Assistant Chief LaShay Makal and Second District Commander Tatjana Savoy, both recently placed on leave, as well as Assistant Chief Andre Wright and former Third District Commander Michael Pulliam, who were already sidelined. Wright's leave stems partly from inappropriate text messages found on his phone, while Pulliam faces review over prior allegations of altering crime classifications in his district. The D.C. Metropolitan Police Union stated that multiple top command staff officials are facing termination related to the investigation.

Interim Police Chief Jeff Carroll addressed the matter at a news conference Tuesday, declining to discuss specifics but affirming the leaves. "The administrative process must be allowed to take its...