Pamela A. Smith, a Pine Bluff native whose long career in law enforcement led her to the role of Washington, D.C.’s first Black female police chief, is stepping down from the position.
The Metropolitan Police Department released a statement from Smith, 57, on Monday confirming her intent. While Smith did not indicate in the statement when her last day is, the website for NBC Washington, citing the mayor’s office, said her last day will be Dec. 31.
“I am deeply humbled, grateful, and deeply appreciative of my time with the District of Columbia,” Smith wrote. “Serving as Chief of Police has been the greatest honor of my career, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser for appointing me to this position and to the D.C. Council for their steadfast support throughout my tenure.”
Bowser announced Nov. 25 she would not run for reelection. She has been D.C.’s mayor since 2015.
Smith dismissed Bowser’s decision and President Donald Trump’s August takeover of the police department, marked by activating members of the National Guard, as reasons for her stepping down, according to NBC Washington. An email to a communications officer during Smith’s time as chief went undeliverable.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“This role has been both challenging and rewarding,” Smith stated. “I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved together, and I thank the residents of this city for their trust and partnership. While my aspiration has always been to see zero percent crime, we are not there yet. Nonetheless, we have made tremendous progress, and there remains important work ahead.”
Smith took over as chief in July 2023, more than a year after joining Metro Police as chief equity officer. She was promoted to assistant chief for the Homeland Security Bureau in April 2023 and was acting chief when Robert J. Contee III retired from the top position.
When the D.C. Council confirmed Smith as chief, Washington reportedly had experienced higher-than-usual rates of crime. NBC Washington reported the homicide rate has been the lowest in D.C. in eight years, citing statistics from the mayor’s office, as well as a 29% reduction in homicides in 2025 and a 52% reduction in shootings over the last two years.
“I am confident that the department is in a strong position and that the great work will continue, moving in a positive trajectory to combat crime and enhance public safety,” Smith wrote in her statement. “Washington, D.C., is an extraordinary place to live, visit and work, and I remain inspired by the resilience and spirit of this community.”