DEA Administrator Appointed as D.C. Police Chief Amidst Federal Intervention
In a stunning move, Attorney General Pam Bondi has appointed the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as "emergency police commissioner" of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington D.C. This decision effectively shifts decision-making power away from the current police chief and places it in the hands of DEA Administrator Terrence C. Cole.
The Justice Department order, previewed by Bondi on Fox News, comes days after President Donald Trump directed the federal government to take control of local police and deployed the National Guard to address rising crime rates in the nation's capital. The order states that Cole will assume all powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police for the duration of the declared emergency.
This means that the existing leadership of the D.C. police, including Chief Pamela Smith, will now require Cole's approval before issuing any directives for the department. The move has sparked considerable debate and raised questions about the autonomy of the D.C. police force.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, following a meeting with Bondi, stated that Chief Smith would serve as "operations lead" in collaboration with federal forces in the district. Bowser emphasized the importance of Chief Smith leading the effort alongside the DEA director and the Marshals Service to effectively deploy additional officers and reduce violent crime.
The long-term implications of this federal intervention and the DEA administrator's role in overseeing the D.C. police remain to be seen. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as the new arrangement unfolds.
Key Takeaways:
- DEA Administrator appointed as "emergency police commissioner" of D.C.
- Decision-making power shifted from local police chief to DEA head.
- Federal intervention follows President Trump's directive to address crime in D.C.
- Questions raised about local police autonomy.