D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee is set to retire from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in June. On Wednesday, Contee joined Mayor Muriel Bowser in a walkout ceremony at 1 p.m.
"I have had the privilege of being mayor of my hometown, so I think that's the best mayor job anywhere in the world," said Bowser. "And I think Chief Contee would agree that being the police chief of your hometown is the best policing job that a person can have."
You can watch the ceremony below:
"Most of us weren't blessed with the knowledge of knowing what we wanted to do with out lives at the age of 17, but Chief Contee was," she continued.
Contee's children were also in attendance. "Something that you always say to me is, 'handle your business first,' so that's something I'll carry with me as I go onto college and something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life," said Tyler Contee, the chief's daughter.
"It has been a journey to get here, one that I don't take lightly," Contee said at the end of the ceremony. "My role and responsibility as the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department is important to me, but the role as father and husband is also very important to me. So, I want to thank you for putting up with all that I had to do to be successful at this job."
Contee said he's leaving MPD for a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Contee said his last day will be June 3.
"I will have the privilege of working with law enforcement agencies all across our nation as the Assistant Director of the Office of Partner Engagement, where my responsibility will be to ensure that the FBI is fully supporting local and state and federal agencies all across our nation," he continued. "I'm very excited for this new opportunity."
Earlier this month, Ashan M. Benedict was announced as the interim chief of police. Bowser's administration said Benedict has served as the Executive Assistant Chief of Police at MPD since April 2021. Before joining MPD, Benedict served at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On Dec. 22, 2020, Bowser announced that she selected Contee to serve as the acting police chief to replace Peter Newsham. Contee was sworn in on Jan. 2, 2021, and con and has occupied the position since.
Contee joined MPD as a police cadet in November 1989, the department's website said. He started as a patrol officer in the Third District and was eventually promoted to captain responsible for leading the violent crimes branch, including the homicide branch and the sexual assault unit. He fulfilled a number of leadership roles within the department before eventually being named chief.
As far as the next steps, D.C. council members are focused on the confirmation process for whoever Bowser names as Contee's successor. The council will then have to confirm the candidate to be chief on a permanent basis after holding a series of public hearings.
This transition comes as MPD is experiencing challenges with staffing and officer retention. Additionally, homicides, violent crime, and total crime are up compared to this time last year.