On January 2 , 2007 , Cathy L. Lanier took the post of Chief of Police . Lanier , who began her career as a Metropolitan Police patrol officer , became the first female chief of the department . She has been singled out in publications for her community-oriented and technology-driven approach to policing that has helped modernize the MPD and lower crime rates . In 2012 the city attained a lowered homicide rate not seen since 1961 . Lanier departed in 2016 to lead security for the National Football League and was succeeded by Peter Newsham . On September 16 , 2013 , MPD officers responded to the Washington Navy Yard for an active shooter in Building 197 . Two officers were shot during the over-hour-long search and gunfight . The first , Officer Scott Williams , was hit in both legs during an exchange of gunfire with the shooter , Aaron Alexis . The second , Officer Dorian DeSantis , was a member of MPD 's Emergency Response Team . Officer DeSantis was with U.S. Park Police officers Andrew Wong and Carl Hiott and had entered an area of cubicles when Alexis engaged them , striking DeSantis in his tactical vest . Uninjured by the gunshot , DeSantis immediately returned fire and killed Alexis . In all , thirteen people were killed and eight others were injured , three from gunfire . Williams and DeSantis were given the Medal of Valor , Medal of Honor and the Blue Badge Medal on February 20 , 2014 , during a ceremony to honor them and the 170 law enforcement officers , including 57 MPD officers , who responded and entered the building to search for Alexis
active shooter
Washington Navy Yard shooting
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia