DC police captain cites bodycam footage of officers not making arrests, sparking backlash
A Washington, D.C., police captain's internal email criticizing officers for avoiding arrests despite apparent probable cause or reasonable suspicion sparked controversy and was later rescinded by the Metropolitan Police Department. The email, which cited body-worn camera footage, led to backlash and claims the information was incorrect, prompting an internal investigation. The incident occurs amid heightened federal attention on D.C. crime under the Trump administration, despite recent declines in overall crime rates.
- ▪Captain Jerome Merrill sent an internal email criticizing officers for not making arrests when probable cause or reasonable suspicion was evident in body-worn camera footage.
- ▪The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed it rescinded the email and stated the information within was incorrect, launching an investigation.
- ▪The email referenced increasing complaints to the Internal Affairs Division and the Office of Police Complaints over perceived inaction by officers.
- ▪FBI data shows D.C. still has higher per-capita violent crime than the national average, despite a decline from 2023 peaks.
- ▪Former Supreme Court Chief of Police Ross Swope commented that the legal distinction between probable cause and reasonable suspicion is standard and required by law.
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Cops DC police captain cites bodycam footage of officers not making arrests, sparking backlash MPD confirmed it rescinded the email sent by a Sixth District captain as the Trump administration cracks down on D.C. crime By Charles Creitz Fox News Published May 1, 2026 12:47pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Pirro sounds alarm on youth crime as teen 'takeovers' hit DC U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the concern with youth crime in Washington D.C. as teen 'takeovers' threaten cities nationwide.
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