Two high-ranking employees of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have been placed on administrative leave, as confirmed by the department on Thursday afternoon. Executive Assistant Chief Andre Wright and his wife, Inspector Natasha Wright, are both currently on leave amid what MPD officials have described as “an active internal investigation.”
Details surrounding the investigation remain undisclosed, but sources indicate it may relate to allegations made in a recent report by the Department of Justice and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. This report accuses former Police Chief Pamela Smith of manipulating crime data in the district. Andre Wright’s involvement is explicitly mentioned in the report, which describes him as having the authority to influence crime classifications.
According to the findings, “Commanders purportedly brief up to the Assistant Chiefs of Patrol Services North or South, who then brief up to Andre Wright, Executive Assistant Chief of Patrol Services, who one witness stated is known to lower crime.” This suggests a systemic issue within the structure of the MPD that may have impacted crime reporting.
Additionally, the report notes that 21 witnesses have provided derogatory information about Andre Wright, raising serious questions about his conduct and the operational integrity of the department. Wright, who has served with the MPD since 1994, was promoted to Executive Assistant Chief under Chief Smith. Prior to this role, he was the Commander of the 7th District and was responsible for overseeing various divisions, including Patrol Services North and South, as well as the Youth and Family Engagement Bureau.
Inspector Natasha Wright, who joined the MPD in 2006, has most recently been working in the Human Resources Division. The couple’s current leave reflects the department’s commitment to investigating serious allegations and maintaining accountability within its ranks.
While the situation remains fluid, this investigation could potentially lead to significant changes in the department’s leadership and operational practices. The commitment to transparency and accountability is a positive step towards restoring public trust in the MPD.