D.C. Police See Increase in Officers Arrested

WASHINGTON - More D.C. police officers were arrested this year than in at least the past five years.

This year, 34 officers have been arrested on charges including assault, domestic violence, fraud and drunken driving. At least five cases involved on-duty conduct.

In one case, an officer investigating a home burglary stole a woman's credit card.

The percentage of officers arrested on the 3,800-member force is small, but the total is higher than cities including Baltimore and Philadelphia. Officials say most D.C. officers are hardworking.

The Washington Post filed a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain a breakdown of cases after police initially refused to provide details.

Police Chief Cathy Lanier says she began noticing an increase in domestic violence and alcohol-related arrests. She says it could be related to job stress. But still, she says she has little tolerance for officers who commit crimes or embarrass the department.

Four officers have been fired for criminal misconduct.

Information from The Washington Post

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