In response to the retirement of Assistant Chief of Police Diane Groomes, Councilmember Charles Allen, Chairperson of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, issued the following statement:

“I want to thank Assistant Chief Diane Groomes for her outstanding service to Metropolitan Police Department and our city. I've known Diane for over a decade and worked very closely with her not just as Assistant Chief, but also as the former First District Commander in Ward 6. She's a leader who works tirelessly - with high expectations of those around her and with empathy and outreach that defines what we've come to expect in true community policing. Whether in Ward 6, or in neighborhoods all around the District, residents know and trust Diane Groomes. I'm glad we will continue to benefit from her knowledge, expertise, and commitment to the safety of District residents and visitors alike.

“I also look forward to working with Acting Chief Newsham to ensure his realignment of leadership for Patrol Services is successful and works for our communities. I believe his goal of creating a North and South section is to ensure accountability and management - and his selection of leadership for each area shows the value placed on leaders with knowledge of the neighborhoods they serve. I support his decision and will work with him and his leadership team through this transition."