DC Police captain on leave after sending culturally insensitive email

WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is trying to address a concerning email written by one of its captains that contained racially offensive language and phrases.

The email was written by MPD Captain Ryan Small, who appears to be a white man. It reads as a call to get officers to sign up for overtime shifts in Northeast, yet it’s riddled with stereotypical language and phrases.

The subject line for the email is titled, “DOLLA DOLLA BILLS Y’ALL," and references "Thrive Overtime.”

In the email, Small references D.C. rappers Shy Glizzy and Fat Trel. In another section, he refers to himself as the reader’s “Triple OG Partna from the Northeast.”

According to the timestamp, Small’s email went out a little after 1 a.m. A few hours later, 5th District Commander Shawn Rooney sent out an email of his own, saying that Small’s email was “offensive, unprofessional, and culturally insensitive.”

Rooney went on to write that the department will be reviewing its communication standards and address the matter immediately.

DC Police Chief Pamela Smith sent WUSA9 a statement regarding the email, which reads:

“I’m aware of the email that was sent overnight with regard to an overtime opportunity in our Fifth District. I am deeply disheartened that a member, especially a member in a leadership role, chose to send an unprofessional and insensitive message like this.

 As MPD’s first Chief Equity Officer, I know firsthand the investments we have made and continue to make throughout the department. We conduct Voices Listening Tour to ensure every member’s voice are heard. Since its inception in 2022, we have engaged over 1,700 members in the Voices Tours and DEI trainings.  In addition, DEI training is held for new recruits and professional staff, promotional training, and during Command Staff Roundtables.

 I cannot emphasize enough this email does not reflect the values of our department or our commitment to respect and professionalism in the workplace. This type of unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated.

 As a department, we are continually reinforcing our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment. All MPD members participate in cultural awareness training during their time at the academy and as part of their ongoing training. This year, MPD has conducted numerous trainings that cover cultural awareness.

 We will be reviewing our communication standards and addressing this matter immediately.”

Small has since been reassigned from the THRIVE Program and placed on administrative leave. The incident is being investigated by MPD’s Internal Affairs Division.