The chair of the D.C. Police Union recently expressed support for President Donald Trump's federal takeover of law enforcement in the nation's capital, citing it as a necessary but temporary measure. In an op-ed published by The Washington Post, D.C. detective Gregg Pemberton emphasized that while Trump's deployment of the National Guard had shown positive results in the past week, federal control is not a long-term solution.
Pemberton criticized the D.C. Council's 'misguided 'reform' agenda,' which he believes led to Trump's intervention. He highlighted the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Act, vetoed by Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, as particularly detrimental. The act, according to Pemberton, stripped officers of collective bargaining rights, weakened due process protections, and altered the use of force standard, potentially endangering lives in critical situations.
The union chief also raised concerns about the dwindling personnel staffing within the Metropolitan Police Department, noting a loss of over 600 officers since 2020. Despite an authorized strength of 4,000 sworn members, the department currently operates with only 3,181 officers. Pemberton pointed out that the remaining officers face unsustainable workloads, leading to burnout and increased resignations.
Furthermore, Pemberton disputed claims by Democrats that crime rates in D.C. were decreasing, citing investigations into alleged manipulation of crime statistics. He highlighted a significant rise in homicide rates over the past decade, with the District averaging more than 200 homicides annually from 2021 to 2024, compared to around 100 a decade ago.
In conclusion, Pemberton called for immediate action from the D.C. Council, urging the repeal of the Policing and Justice Reform Act and increased investment in the police force. He emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a safer city and underscored the union's readiness to work towards that goal.
