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Washington, D.C. Crime in 2025: Underreporting Allegations and Their Impact on Perceptions

August 26, 2025

In 2025, Washington, D.C., has become a focal point for debates over crime, driven by President Donald Trump’s temporary federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and allegations that crime statistics are being underreported. While official data shows significant declines in violent crime, claims of data manipulation have fueled skepticism, polarizing public and policy perceptions. This post examines the crime trends, the underreporting controversy, and how these factors shape views of safety in D.C., drawing on credible sources and expert insights.

Crime Trends in Washington, D.C.: The Official Numbers

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, violent crime in D.C. dropped by 35% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching a 30-year low. The downward trend continued into 2025, with key statistics including:

Homicides: Down 32% from 274 in 2023 to 187 in 2024, with a further 12% decrease in 2025, totaling 99 homicides as of August 25, 2025.
Carjackings: Dropped from 959 in 2023 to approximately 500 in 2024, with 188 reported through August 2025, a significant decline from nearly 300 at the same point in 2024.
Robberies: Decreased by 39% in 2024 and 28% in 2025 year-to-date.
Assaults with a Dangerous Weapon: Fell by 27% in 2024 and 20% in 2025.
Sex Abuse: Down 46% in 2025 compared to 2024.

These figures, supported by the Council on Criminal Justice, align with a national trend of declining violent crime, with the FBI’s 2024 crime data reporting a 4.5% drop nationwide. D.C.’s homicide rate fell 19% in the first half of 2025, slightly outperforming the 17% average decline across 30 large U.S. cities. However, D.C.’s 2024 homicide rate of 27.3 per 100,000 residents remains high compared to cities like New York but lower than Memphis or St. Louis, as noted by USA Today. Property crimes, particularly motor vehicle thefts, have risen 9% in 2025, indicating persistent challenges.

Allegations of Underreported Crime

Despite the reported declines, allegations that the MPD has manipulated crime statistics have raised doubts about their accuracy. Key evidence includes:

Whistleblower Lawsuit: A D.C. police sergeant alleged that MPD officials systematically downgraded felonies to misdemeanors to lower crime rates. The lawsuit was settled, but details are scarce.
Police Union Claims: Gregg Pemberton, D.C. Police Union chairman, stated in July 2025 that supervisors directed officers to file lesser offenses, skewing data.
Investigation into MPD Commander: In May 2025, Commander Michael Pulliam was placed on leave amid allegations of altering crime data, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Jeanine Pirro, as reported by The Guardian.
Data Discrepancies: Crime data expert Jeff Asher noted that MPD’s public data reported a 35% drop in violent crime for 2024, while FBI data showed a 9% decline, suggesting potential reporting issues (Jeff Asher’s Substack).

Experts like Janet Lauritsen note that underreporting is a nationwide issue, with the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) indicating that many crimes go unreported. Adam Gelb from the Council on Criminal Justice estimates 25-30% of crimes may be unreported, but there’s no evidence D.C.’s underreporting is unique. The ongoing investigation may clarify whether deliberate manipulation occurred, but no conclusive findings exist as of August 2025.

How Underreporting Allegations Shape Perceptions

The allegations significantly impact how residents, businesses, and policymakers view D.C.’s safety:

Erosion of Trust: A 2024 Washington Post survey found 65% of D.C. residents viewed crime as a serious problem, despite reported declines. Allegations of data manipulation reinforce fears, particularly in high-crime areas like Wards 7 and 8, where residents report feeling unsafe (Time).
Political Polarization: Trump’s claim of “fake” crime stats and the August 2025 National Guard deployment (800 troops) fuel perceptions of a crime crisis, while Mayor Muriel Bowser defends the city’s progress, citing a 26% drop in violent crime. X posts reflect this divide, with some users calling the intervention a power grab and others noting an 83% drop in carjackings post-federalization, though these figures are preliminary.
Media and High-Profile Incidents: Incidents like the fatal shootings of a three-year-old and a Capitol Hill intern amplify fear, overshadowing data. The National Guard’s presence, costing millions (exact figures unclear, per WTOP and The Independent), reinforces a crisis narrative.
Comparative Context: D.C.’s crime rates are high but lower than cities like Cleveland, as noted by WLWT. This raises questions about why D.C. faces federal intervention while others do not, influencing perceptions of selective targeting.
Community and Business Impacts: Restaurants report increased police presence, potentially deterring customers due to perceived danger (Eater DC). Residents in affluent areas like Ward 3 feel safer, while those in Anacostia feel targeted, creating a fragmented sense of safety.

What Does This Mean?

The allegations of underreported crime, combined with federal intervention, create a complex landscape. Official data shows D.C.’s violent crime at a 30-year low, with significant drops in homicides (12%) and carjackings (83% post-intervention). However, the whistleblower lawsuit, union claims, and ongoing investigation suggest potential data inaccuracies, eroding trust. High-profile incidents and the National Guard’s presence amplify fears, despite national trends showing declining crime. The investigation’s outcome may clarify whether manipulation occurred, but for now, perceptions remain polarized: some see D.C. as safer than ever, while others believe crime is worse than reported.

Residents should consider multiple sources, like FBI data and NCVS, alongside local experiences. Policymakers face the challenge of balancing transparency with addressing real safety concerns, particularly in high-risk neighborhoods. Until more evidence emerges, D.C.’s crime narrative will likely remain a mix of progress, skepticism, and political debate.

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