Metropolitan Police Department: Hearing on Metropolitan Police Department Spending and Performance Review -Page 4

To make perfectly clear my own feelings on this matter, I have sent a special newsletter to all members of the force, and I have taped a video message that is being played at roll calls and staff meetings. A copy of my "Link" newsletter is attached to my printed statement. Let me assure this panel, and everyone who lives in, works in or visits DC, that there is no place in the MPDC for police officers or other employees who display the type of racist, sexist and malicious speech - and possibly actions - that are represented in some of the e-mails I reviewed.

I generally don't like the term "zero tolerance" as it is has been used in policing. But in this matter, there will be zero tolerance for intolerance in the MPDC. Members who spew profanity, perpetuate ugly stereotypes, or make references to - or engage in - biased policing of any sort will be identified, and strong disciplinary action will be taken.

I would like to update you on the background and status of the investigation itself. Approximately one month ago, I asked our Office of Quality Assurance to conduct an audit of some of the car-to-car communications over our Mobile Digital Computer (or MDC) network. I knew that other police departments had experienced problems in this area, and I wanted to assess the situation in our Department. What I saw, from just a sampling of e-mail messages identified from certain offensive key words, was truly shocking. I immediately directed our Office of Professional Responsibility to initiate a complete "confidential investigation" into the matter. By "confidential," I mean an investigation in which we are not required to notify the subjects that they are under scrutiny. While recent news media reports have comprised the confidentiality of the investigation, the investigation itself is proceeding. And I can assure you it will be thorough, exacting and wide-ranging. I pledge to keep the subcommittee, and the community at large, apprised of our progress in this priority matter.

I realize the actions of a small number of officers in no way reflect the integrity and professionalism of our Department as a whole. And I know that the vast majority of our members share my outrage and embarrassment over this matter. Still, the actions of a few do impact public perceptions of the MPDC and the policing profession in general. We simply cannot sit back and do nothing.

Following are some of the steps we are taking. MDC transmissions specifically, and our words and conduct in general, are being scrutinized very closely - by the Department and, more importantly, by the public we serve. When transgressions are discovered, we will continue to take swift action. Where new procedures or additional training are needed, we will provide them. We have already added a log-on warning message to the MDCs themselves and are publishing regular reminders about MDC policy. But when all is said and done, doing the right thing is up to each and every one of our members. Nobody needs a training course to tell them that offensive language and racism are wrong ... period.

One other critical step I announced last Thursday: our Department will soon begin collecting data on contacts our officers have with members of the community during traffic stops, field interrogations and other activities. I continue to meet with a variety of experts - from the law enforcement and civil rights communities - to determine the best methods for collecting, analyzing and using this type of data. While I do not believe that data collection itself is a panacea, it will provide important insight into the daily activities of officers. More importantly, it will help ensure our officers are not engaging in any form of biased policing. I will keep this body apprised of the implementation of this important policy decision.

In closing, I want to reaffirm my commitment to the continued rebuilding of the Metropolitan Police Department - not just our physical and technological infrastructure, but also the morale and professionalism of our members and the confidence of the people we serve. My biggest fear from the e-mail matter is that the actions of a small group of police officers will serve to undermine, or at least set back, three years of progress in reducing crime and implementing community policing.

As I have told our employees, members of the MPDC are held to a higher standard - as well we should be. The public has placed a sacred trust in us. Now, some of our members have violated that trust. For all of us in the Department, the hard work of repairing the damage and restoring that trust has already begun, and it will continue for some time. I am confident that with the continued support of our Mayor and District government, the President, and Congress, and especially our partners in the community, we can move forward in new and even more positive directions.

Thank you again for the opportunity to present this statement. I would be happy to answer any questions.