WASHINGTON, D.C. — A press conference to update the media on the department's ongoing efforts to rein in crime following President Donald Trump's threat to federalize the city was briefly interrupted today but a loud noise, leading DC Police Chief Pamela Smith to ask journalists what was causing it.

The incident occurred as Smith was briefing reporters on her department's task of cleaning up the city's streets amid an increase in violent crime, with a loud, wailing sound that seemed ot emanate from several passing vehicles, much to the consternation of the police chief.

"What is that black and white car that goes ‘wee-oo wee-oo' all the time?" she asked. "Wherever I go, they always seem to be around. I usually see a whole parking lot full of them when I go to work. Sometimes they're quiet, but other times they just start making this really loud noise, and they drive off really fast. They have red and blue lights. Does anyone know what those are? I'd appreciate it if someone could let me know."

According to sources within the police department, Chief Smith has also asked officers to explain what several other words she frequently hears at work mean, like "badge," "handcuffs," and "law." "We try to help her out as much as we can," one officer said under the condition of anonymity. "She seems eager to learn more, which is a good quality to have."

At publishing time, Chief Smith was last seen in her office Googling "What is a police?"

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