## Overview The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), commonly known as the D.C. Police, is the primary law enforcement agency for the District of Columbia, serving a population of over 700,000 residents across 68 square miles[8]. As one of the 10 largest local police agencies in the United States, the MPD is recognized for its blend of advanced technology, community policing, and a long-standing commitment to public safety[1][3]. The department operates under the leadership of the Chief of Police, currently Pamela A. Smith, and reports to the Mayor of Washington, D.C.[1][8]. ## History The MPD was established in 1861 during the Civil War, a period marked by rapid population growth and heightened security concerns in the nation’s capital[4][6]. President Abraham Lincoln played a direct role in its creation, dispatching emissaries to study policing models in New York and London to inform the new department’s structure[4]. The MPD consolidated earlier, fragmented law enforcement efforts and introduced a centralized, professional force—a significant advancement for urban policing at the time[6]. Over its more than 160-year history, the MPD has evolved to meet the unique challenges of policing a city that serves as both a local community and the seat of the federal government[4]. ## What the MPD Does The MPD’s core mission is to ensure public safety, prevent and investigate crimes, and foster strong community relationships[1]. Unlike most major U.S. cities, Washington, D.C., operates under a unique blend of local and federal oversight, but the MPD remains the closest equivalent to a traditional municipal police department[8]. The agency employs nearly 3,900 officers and emphasizes a community policing philosophy, aiming to build trust and collaboration between officers and residents[1][8]. In addition to routine law enforcement, the MPD coordinates with numerous federal agencies during major events and national security incidents, reflecting the