General Info

Founded in 1861, the Metropolitan Police Department works to preserve peace and reduce crime through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances. It handles cases related to homicide, sexual offenses, drug abuse and juvenile crime. It supports a victim services program that provides them with information about their rights and available programs and services that help them to cope with physical injuries, emotional trauma and economic loss. The department has domestic violence, victim specialist, sexual assault, and gay and lesbian liaison units. The Metropolitan Police Department also grants permits to hold special events. It administers a crime solvers program that publicizes unsolved crimes and wanted suspects and offers a toll-free telephone number for individuals to provide information about the crimes in exchange for cash rewards. In addition, the Metropolitan Police Department provides crime prevention and traffic safety tips. It is comprised of more than 4,000 members that include over 3,500 sworn police officers and nearly 600 civilian employees. The department is headquartered in Washington, D.C.