In June 2021, Chief Contee contracted with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to conduct an organizational assessment of the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The scope of this assessment included analyzing MPD’s management practices, internal investigation procedures, opportunities for employee advancement, and efforts to instill diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the organization. The goal of this analysis was for PERF to recommend options for policies, procedures, and practices that could potentially improve MPD performance in these areas. MPD received the final report at the end of March 2023.
Overall, MPD was encouraged to see how many of PERF’s recommendations align with initiatives already underway. There are, of course, also several areas where there is room for improvement. This response outlines the areas that MPD intends to prioritize moving forward.
On April 26, 2023, Chief Contee announced that he will be retiring from MPD at the end of May. Nonetheless, the findings and recommendations provided in this report will be useful for the new chief in understanding the current state of the MPD. The new chief will also have an opportunity to chart their own path in all areas, including with respect to the recommendations provided in the report. The initial agency reaction and positions below may alter over time as further discussion, changed leadership, and other priorities emerge. One important caveat is that the ability of any chief to implement changes may be limited by staffing and budgetary constraints. In light of these potential limitations, MPD is committed to serving not only our communities but also our members, and will strive to honor Chief Contee’s legacy in the Department by continuing to transfer excellence.
MPD wishes to thank PERF for the research, analysis, and guidance provided in this report. MPD also wants to acknowledge and thank the numerous MPD sworn and professional members from across the department as well as our community stakeholders who contributed significantly to this effort.
