An Analysis of How Police Chief Pamela A. Smith Addresses Resilience Policing

Authors

  • Eric Reist University of the District of Columbia
  • J. Ndumbe Anyu University of the District of Columbia
  • Christopher Anglim University of the District of Columbia
  • Sergey Ivanov University of the District of Columbia

Keywords:

leadership, accountability, ethics, DC, District of Columbia, emergency management, emergency management policing, resilience, resilience policing

Abstract

This resilience policing research illustrates the need for police leaders and departments to more directly address resilience policing elements. This analysis examines how Pamela A. Smith, the current Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), addresses resilience policing in Washington, DC. Our study uses document analysis to review content and themes related to resilience policing. We hypothesize that resilience policing will not be directly referenced but that resilience policing elements will be addressed. Through content and thematic analysis, we accepted our hypothesis. We also provide recommendations and policy implications to enhance resilience policing.

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Published

2025-05-04

How to Cite

Reist, E., Anyu, J. N., Anglim, C., & Ivanov, S. (2025). An Analysis of How Police Chief Pamela A. Smith Addresses Resilience Policing. Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 22(2). Retrieved from https://articlearchives.co/index.php/JLAE/article/view/7524

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