In a week of historic firsts for Black women, Washington D.C. is continuing to set the standard. The district has just appointed its first Black woman chief of police. Meet Pamela Smith.

D.C.’s Newest Chief of Police, Pamela Smith

Who Is Pamela Smith?

Smith has 25 years of police experience at the federal and local levels. On top of serving as the chief of the United States Park Police, she also was MPD’s first chief equity officer. Additionally, she served as assistant chief of the Homeland Security Bureau.

At a press conference, Smith was asked about her top priority.

“Drive down crime,” she explained.

The District has been trying to tackle a rise in homicides and violent crime. It is a complex matter as the police work to simultaneously improve officer relations with communities due to a distrust of law enforcement. That balancing act makes Smith’s job all the more difficult.

According to police stats, Washington D.C. has reported 133 homicides so far this year. That’s an increase of 18% over the same time last year when D.C. registered its second year in a row with more than 200 murders. Overall violent crime in the district is up 36%.

“The community wants the police to be the police and do so in a constitutional, safe and respectful manner. Make no mistake about it: I will be laser-focused to ensure we do everything we can in this space,” Smith said during the conference.

She believes that the MPD already has many good practices in place. She aims to amplify successes and find solutions.

Smith is taking the reigns after former chief, Robert Contee, retired from the force in June. She is taking over immediately as acting police chief as she awaits confirmation from D.C. Council. She will be the head of a department of more than 3,000 officers.