Federal Control of D.C. Police Expires Amidst Debate Over Home Rule and Crime Data

President Trump’s controversial takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington D.C. is set to expire tonight, September 10th, marking the end of a 30-day federal intervention. The move, initiated on August 11th under the 1973 Home Rule Act, saw federal oversight of local police and the activation of the D.C. National Guard.

Despite earlier indications of seeking an extension, President Trump has recently praised D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for her cooperation and a reported drop in crime. However, the Home Rule Act mandates that federal control can only last 30 days without Congressional authorization for an extension, which lawmakers have not indicated they plan to grant.

Mayor Bowser has issued an order to ensure continued cooperation with federal law enforcement post-emergency, clarifying it as a framework for transition rather than an extension of the ‘Trump emergency.’ While some federal presences like National Guard troops from other states remain, Bowser has voiced concerns over their impact on community trust, advocating for local control and resources.

Data from the MPD indicates a 15% drop in total crime between August 7th and September 8th compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 39% and carjackings by 74%. However, the White House’s reported arrest figures have been met with skepticism by Mayor Bowser and have not been fully verified by independent sources. The situation has reignited the debate over D.C. home rule, with some lawmakers pushing for stronger local control and others advocating for increased federal oversight of the district’s criminal justice system.

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