Assistant Chief Darnel Robinson serves as the Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Technical Services Bureau (TSB), where he leads information technology services, research, and analytical capabilities that support innovative policing operations and public safety practices.
Robinson began his career with the Metropolitan Police Department in 2003, serving in the Fourth District. As a patrol officer, he worked directly in the community and supported tactical operations focused on narcotics and illegal weapons interdiction.
After being promoted to sergeant in 2012, Robinson served in the Sixth District, leading officers in proactive policing and maintaining a strong field presence. In 2015, he was selected to serve in the citywide Criminal Interdiction Unit of the Narcotics and Special Investigations Division (NSID). There, he supervised intelligence-led operations focused on illegal firearms, narcotics, robbery patterns, violent offenders, search warrants, and complex short- and long-term investigations. The team collaborated with federal and local agencies to dismantle community violence. He later served with the NSID’s citywide Criminal Apprehension Unit, pursuing individuals wanted on outstanding warrants and helping ensure that those accused of crimes were located and brought before the justice system.
In 2017, Robinson was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the First District. He focused on MPD’s mission to engage in community policing, address neighborhood crime and quality-of-life concerns, and build community partnerships. Later that year, he returned to the NSID to lead the citywide Narcotics Enforcement Unit, which addressed drug complaints identified by the community and patrol members through field operations. The team also partnered with local and federal agencies to disrupt criminal activity within communities. In 2019, Robinson was selected to lead MPD’s Special Operations Division’s (SOD) Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT responds to barricaded criminals, hostage takings, terrorist incidents, high-risk warrants, and other unusual incidents, with the intent to protect the lives of the innocent while working toward a peaceful resolution.
Following his promotion to captain in 2021, Robinson was tasked with leading the SOD’s newly established Critical Incident Response Branch (CIRB). The branch comprises the Domestic Security Operations Unit (DSO), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD), and the Emergency Response Team (ERT). The CIRB responds to incidents, including but not limited to civil disturbances, terroristic threats, barricades, suspicious packages, and other unusual incidents. The MPD is responsible for preserving the public peace and protecting the rights of persons and their property.
Later in 2021, Robinson was promoted to commander of the Sixth District, which serves communities in Northeast and Southeast Washington, D.C., east of the Anacostia River. As district commander, he drew on lessons from throughout his career, including community engagement, accountability, intelligence-led policing, narcotics and illegal weapons interdiction, and relationship-building, to address crime while strengthening trust between police and the community.
In 2024, Robinson was promoted to assistant chief and selected to lead Patrol Services North, overseeing the Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Police Districts. In that role, he provided executive leadership for patrol operations across a significant portion of the District of Columbia, including oversight of crime strategies, community engagement, and the delivery of police services to residents, businesses, and visitors.
Throughout his career, Robinson has received numerous awards and honors for his service and leadership. Before entering law enforcement, he proudly served this country as a United States Marine, an experience that shaped his commitment to service, teamwork, and leadership.
Robinson completed the Leadership in Counter Terrorism (LinCT) Program, an international executive leadership network that develops collaborative strategies to confront terrorism and emerging global threats. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Park University, a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education, and a master’s degree in Public Safety from the University of Virginia.