D.C. police chief leaving for job with FBI

D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee, who first joined the force in 1980 as a 17-year-old cadet, is leaving to take a post with the FBI, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser announced Wednesday.

According to several reports, the chief, who took over the top job at the Metropolitan Police Department in January 2021, will become an assistant director with the FBI.

His departure comes as the city has struggled in recent months to address a spike in violent crime.

The chief has clashed in recent months with members of the city council who pushed for changes to the criminal code that reduced penalties for some felonies.

Chief Contee and the mayor pushed back on the changes, which were characterized by critics as “soft on crime.” But the mayor and the chief were overruled by the council.

Congress then overturned the council’s proposal.

In her statement Wednesday, the mayor lauded the veteran lawman for leading the MPD with “passion and purpose.”

“He has pushed our criminal justice system to do more and be better. He has led MPD through an incredibly challenging time for our country — from the pandemic to January 6th and navigating the effects of a shrinking department during a time when gun violence is exploding across the nation,” Ms. Bowser said.

“He has been a phenomenal ambassador of what it means to be a police officer in DC — brilliant, compassionate, and determined to build a DC where all people feel safe and are safe,” the mayor added.

Washington TV station WTTG Fox 5 reported that Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said he was “shocked” to hear about Chief Contee’s resignation.

“I am sorry to see him leave after more than three decades of service to the District. I wish him well in his next endeavors,” Mr. Mendelson said.

The council chairman said the new chief should bring “new approaches” and “new strategies” in dealing with the city’s recent crime wave.

“The Council stands ready to work with Mayor Bowser to find the best candidate to succeed Chief Contee. I am hopeful that the Mayor will take this opportunity to find a leader who is willing to try new approaches to law enforcement and new strategies to fight violent crime,” he said.

Chief Contee had replaced former Chief Peter Newsham, who took over the top position with the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia.