WASHINGTON — Under DC Police Chief Pamela Smith, crime statistics show significant declines across most major categories, but the numbers have sparked debate over their accuracy and what's driving the improvements.

Smith inherited a police department in crisis when she took command in November 2023. That year saw 274 homicides in the District — the highest number in two decades. Now, the statistics paint a dramatically different picture.

Overall crime dropped 8% during Smith's first two years compared to the previous two-year period, with total reported offenses falling from 60,404 to 55,515. But the most striking improvements came in violent crime categories.

Homicides fell 27% over the two years, with a 30% reduction in 2025 alone. Assaults with dangerous weapons and robberies both de

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