Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks, accompanied by Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith, during a news conference on President Donald Trump's plan to place Washington police under federal control and deploy National Guard troops to Washington, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)2025-08-19T19:04:14Z WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether police officials in Washington, D.C., have falsified crime data, according to a person familiar with the probe who wasnt authorized to publicly discuss an open investigation.The investigation comes amid an escalating and political showdown between the Trump administration and the city over control of the police department. It wasnt immediately clear what federal laws could have been violated by the possible manipulation of crime data.The mayors office declined to comment on the matter.The New York Times was first to report on the investigation. Earlier this year, a Metropolitan Police Department commander suspected of manipulating crime data was placed on paid administrative leave, NBC Washington reported. ___Associated Press writer Matt Brown contributed to this report. ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Richer covers the Justice Department and federal courts. She joined The AP in 2013 and is based in Washington. twitter