By Suzie Ziegler
WASHINGTON — An internal DC Police Union survey shows a majority of respondents are considering leaving the Metropolitan Police Department. This comes after the DC Council announced sweeping reforms that “have wide-ranging negative impacts to the working conditions of police officers in the District,” according to a press release from the Union.
The Union conducted the internal survey and released its results earlier this month. Members were asked about their opinions on the new Emergency Bill and if the changes had caused them to consider leaving the department. Of the nearly 600 members who responded, 71% said they are considering leaving MPD. Of those who are considering leaving:
- 25% may retire earlier than originally planned
- 35% are seeking jobs at other law enforcement agencies
- 39% are considering leaving law enforcement altogether
The Union said many of its members had voiced displeasure over the changes outlined by the bill.
"[The bill] makes it exceedingly more difficult to charge a suspect with assaulting a police officer, it changes body worn camera policy in such a way that is can no longer be used as an evidence collection tool, and it changes the language in use of force policy in the most utterly confusing way that even the Councilmembers could not figure out the intent or the impact of the language,” the Union wrote.