The **Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)**, often called D.C. Metropolitan Police, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Washington, D.C.'s 68 square miles and 700,000 residents, operating under the Mayor and Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith with 3,851 sworn officers and over 600 civilians—one of the U.S.'s 10 largest local forces.[1][3][4] Founded on August 6, 1861, at President Abraham Lincoln's urging amid Civil War chaos, MPD evolved from a modest force of 10 sergeants and up to 150 patrolmen into a professional powerhouse.[2][3][6] Early policing dated to 1802 patrols, but Lincoln's initiative centralized authority, drawing from New York's model inspired by London's force. Over 160 years, MPD has navigated national crises: aiding the 1865 hunt for John Wilkes Booth after Lincoln's assassination and responding to President Garfield's 1881 shooting.[2][3] Milestones include appointing women matrons in 1881 and forming a Women's Bureau in 1918, reflecting growth in diversity and expertise.[3] Key achievements highlight MPD's pivotal role in historic events, from protecting the capital during social upheavals to coordinating with federal agencies like U.S. Capitol Police during protests on the National Mall.[1][2] Today, MPD leads in **technological crime-fighting**, deploying advanced evidence analysis, state-of-the-art IT, and a community policing philosophy—"Policing with Purpose. Serving with Care"—to foster resident partnerships and safer neighborhoods.[3][4][7] Its current status emphasizes innovation: the new One Judiciary Square headquarters integrates cutting-edge tech, ergonomic workspaces, and communal areas to boost productivity, morale, and retention amid recruitment challenges. Features like the Joint Operations Control Center enhance coordination with public safety partners, while community-focused designs build public trust.[5] M