The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD), commonly known as the D.C. police, is the primary law enforcement agency serving Washington, D.C. Founded in 1861 during the Civil War by President Abraham Lincoln to address rising disorder and protect the capital, MPD is among the ten largest local police forces in the United States[4][5]. Its jurisdiction covers the entire District, a 68-square-mile area with about 700,000 residents, making it the closest equivalent to a municipal police department in the city[3]. MPD’s responsibilities include investigating all crimes within the city limits, maintaining public safety, and collaborating with multiple federal and local agencies such as the Transit Police, U.S. Park Police, and United States Marshals[1]. Despite this overlap, MPD retains primary authority over crime investigations. The department operates under the leadership of a Chief of Police, currently Pamela A. Smith, accountable for upholding professional standards and ethical conduct[4]. Historically, MPD has evolved with a strong emphasis on incorporating advanced technology and modern policing methods, including sophisticated evidence analysis and information technology systems. It emphasizes community policing strategies aimed at fostering cooperation between officers and residents to enhance quality of life[4]. The department’s motto, *Policing with Purpose. Serving with Care*, reflects this commitment. Notable recent events include MPD’s role during the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol, where 58 officers were injured while restoring order[1]. In 2025, there was a presidential directive to potentially assume federal control over MPD in emergencies, highlighting the unique federal-local balance in D.C. law enforcement[1]. MPD is also subject to oversight and reform efforts, including agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure accountability in use-of-force incidents and internal investigations[6]. The department continues to balance its historic legacy with innovation and community engagement, maintaining a critical role in the safety and governance o