Washington DC Brings In 'Pistol-Packing Preacher' To Lead Police Force Amid Massive Violent Crime Wave - 'I'm Going To Turn It Around'

Washington, D.C. has a crime problem, and reportedly that's putting it mildly. The crime rate in the nation's capital has increased precipitously in recent years with murders and carjackings taking the forefront. However, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), the city council, and the U.S. Congress, which holds jurisdiction over many city matters, find themselves at loggerheads over how to handle the brewing public safety crisis that touches directly on national security.

According to a new report from The Associated Press, newly minted Police Chief Pamela Smith, who from an earlier career as a Baptist minister speaks with the flow and eloquence of the pulpit, told the press at her first conference, "I stand before you as a child who had no hopes, who had no dreams — they were far beyond my reach. But I believe that all things are possible."

"I believe I bring a fresh perspective, a different kind of energy, a different level of passion to what I’m going to do."

Smith called herself a "pistol-packing preacher" speaking to a community luncheon with faith leaders on the city's west side, according to WUSA9's Evan Koslof.

As Smith takes the helm after joining MPD in 2022 and previously serving 24 years with the U.S. Park Police, the Republican-led House of Representatives has begun to look very critically at the city's public safety laws and alarming crime statistics.

One point of national embarrassment came on July 24th when officials with the Mexican Consulate felt it necessary to caution its citizens that "The city of Washington, DC is experiencing a significant increase in crime in areas previously considered safe." The diplomats urged Mexican nationals to "take precautions" and call 911 for emergencies and the consulate for urgent assistance.

This type of warning is typically reserved for insecure nations and failed states, not pre-eminent global superpowers.

Responding to law enforcement and government officials claiming that the overall crime numbers have remained somewhat stable, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves told AP, 

“The scariest crimes are going up and regardless of what’s happening with other crimes, that’s what’s going to fuel the overall perception.”

In the ongoing saga of wrangling the city's spiraling crime rate, the DC City Council passed a massive, nearly ground-up restructure of the city's criminal code. Mayor Bowser vetoed it. The council then overrode the veto, only for Congress to override the council in a rare bipartisan move as told by AP.

The consensus seemed to be that the bill was too soft on crime. Bowser said the bill's reduction of maximum penalties for some violent crimes "sent the wrong message."

According to WUSA9, Smith told the community leaders, "This has to stop. The violence that is happening in our communities needs to stop. But it takes more than me to say this. I need you guys to show up with me." 

"Everybody keeps saying they want the police," The new chief added. "Well I’m going to turn it around on you and say I need you. I need you to be present when we’re standing in front of those cameras. I need you to be present letting the world know that you have to take back your community.”

"We are working feverishly," she said. "We believe we are right where we need to be. But we need your help. We need your help. Those folks who were out there yesterday, if you saw something, contact the Metropolitan Police Department." 

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