The District of Columbia’s shrinking police force has coincided with a surging crime rate.

Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee III said the department has about 3,400 active-duty officers — the fewest in roughly 50 years. The force has lost over 400 officers since 2019.

Veteran officers have left the department in droves and the city has struggled to attract new recruits to fill those spots, despite Mayor Muriel Bowser approving a $25,000 signing bonus.

For more on the crime wave impacting the city and the Metropolitan Police Department’s manpower problems, see The Washington Times’ in-depth report <a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/may/9/lawlessness-district-has-residents-workers-and-bus/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at <a href="mailto:mdelaney@washingtontimes.com">mdelaney@washingtontimes.com</a>.

The District of Columbia’s shrinking police force has coincided with a surging crime rate.{ai:summary}DC's police force has shrunk to its smallest size in 50 years with about 3,400 active officers, losing over 400 since 2019. Recruitment has been difficult despite a $25,000 signing bonus, leading to a surge in crime. Experienced officers have left in large numbers, causing a manpower crisis.

Rise in crime overlaps with D.C.’s lowest number of cops in 50 years

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