Truth and Resistance Dove Logo
Know what you should know!

Home     Categories     Search     Subscribe

Who is Terry Cole, the man chosen as DC's 'emergency police commissioner?'

wlwt.com -- Thursday, August 14, 2025, 11:24:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: State Politics & Governors
Who is Terry Cole, the man chosen as DC's 'emergency police commissioner?'

Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday named the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Terry Cole, as Washington's "emergency police commissioner" as she carries out President Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to take over the Washington police department.Related video above: Can President Trump federalize local police in other U.S. cities?Bondi said she's giving Cole the powers of police chief and the Metropolitan Police Department must receive Cole's approval before issuing any orders.The move comes less than a month after the U.S. Senate confirmed Cole to be the DEA's leader and he was sworn in as head of the agency.Here's what to know about Cole:Three decades in law enforcementCole was most recently Virginia's secretary of public safety and homeland security under Gov. Glenn Youngkin, according to his biography on the DEA's website.He's spent more than 31 years as a law enforcement officer, including 22 at the DEA. At the agency, he worked in Oklahoma, New York and Washington. He spent time overseas in Colombia, Afghanistan and the Middle East. The agency said he fought drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.He was the DEA's acting regional director of Mexico, Canada and Central America when he retired from the federal government in 2020.Prior to joining the DEA, he was a police officer in New York State.Bachelor's in criminal justiceCole graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He has certificates in leadership from the University of Virginia and the University of Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business.Late-night announcement of a new jobBondi announced Cole's new role in a directive Thursday evening. It said Cole would assume "powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police." It wasn't immediately clear how this affected Pamela Smith, the city's current police chief, who works for the mayor.Hours earlier, Smith had directed Washington police to share information with immigration agencies regarding people not in custody -- such as someone involved in a traffic stop or checkpoint.But the Justice Department said Bondi disagreed with the police chief's directive because it allowed for continued enforcement of "sanctuary policies."Bondi said she was rescinding that order as well as other department policies limiting inquires into immigration status and preventing arrests based solely on federal immigration warrants. All new directives must now receive approval from Cole, the attorney general said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday named the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Terry Cole, as Washington's "emergency police commissioner" as she carries out President Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to take over the Washington police department.

Related video above: Can President Trump federalize local police in other U.S. cities?

Bondi said she's giving Cole the powers of police chief and the Metropolitan Police Department must receive Cole's approval before issuing any orders.

The move comes less than a month after the U.S. Senate conformed Cole to be the DEA's leader and he was sworn in as head of the agency.

Here's what to know about Cole:

Three decades in law enforcement

Cole was most recently Virginia's secretary of public safety and homeland security under Gov. Glenn Youngkin, according to his biography on the DEA's website.

He's spent more than 31 years as a law enforcement officer, including 22 at the DEA. At the agency, he worked in Oklahoma, New York and Washington. He spent time overseas in Colombia, Afghanistan and the Middle East. The agency said he fought drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

He was the DEA's acting regional director of Mexico, Canada and Central America when he retired from the federal government in 2020.

Prior to joining the DEA, he was a police officer in New York State.

Bachelor's in criminal justice

Cole graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He has certificates in leadership from the University of Virginia and the University of Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business.

Late-night announcement of a new job

Bondi announced Cole's new role in a directive Thursday evening. It said Cole would assume "powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police." It wasn't immediately clear how this affected Pamela Smith, the city's current police chief, who works for the mayor.

Hours earlier, Smith had directed Washington police to share information with immigration agencies regarding people not in custody -- such as someone involved in a traffic stop or checkpoint.

But the Justice Department said Bondi disagreed with the police chief's directive because it allowed for continued enforcement of "sanctuary policies."

Bondi said she was rescinding that order as well as other department policies limiting inquires into immigration status and preventing arrests based solely on federal immigration warrants. All new directives must now receive approval from Cole, the attorney general said.

Expand

Sign Our Petition


Opinion:

The appointment of Terry Cole as Washington D.C.'s "emergency police commissioner" underlines a troubling trend in American governance, where federal authorities increasingly intervene in local law enforcement, often in ways that prioritize punitive measures over community safety and social equity. This decision, orchestrated by Attorney General Pam Bondi and backed by President Donald Trump, signals a stark shift toward federalizing local police operations, raising significant questions about accountability, community autonomy, and civil rights. The implications of this move extend far beyond the immediate context, reflecting a historical pattern of federal overreach in policing that demands scrutiny and analysis.

Historically, the relationship between federal and local law enforcement has been fraught with tension, particularly when it comes to the enforcement of immigration laws and drug policies. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which Cole has led, has a controversial past characterized by aggressive tactics that often disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The War on Drugs, initiated in the 1980s, has led to mass incarceration, particularly of Black and Latino individuals, and has perpetuated cycles of poverty and criminalization. By placing someone with Cole's background at the helm of D.C.'s police force, the administration seems intent on continuing a legacy of militarized and punitive law enforcement, rather than fostering community-oriented public safety strategies.

The timing of this appointment is also crucial to consider. It follows recent initiatives aimed at dismantling sanctuary policies that protect undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. Bondi's decision to rescind directives limiting inquiries into immigration status represents a significant departure from prior efforts to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. This is particularly detrimental in a city like Washington D.C., which has a vibrant immigrant population that contributes to the cultural and economic fabric of the community. By undermining sanctuary policies, the federal government is not only jeopardizing the safety of immigrants but also fostering an environment of fear and mistrust that can lead to underreporting of crime and diminished community cooperation with police.

Furthermore, Cole's extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly with the DEA, raises concerns about potential priorities that may not align with the needs of communities most affected by crime and violence. The emphasis on combating drug cartels and transnational organizations often overlooks the root causes of drug abuse and addiction, which are deeply intertwined with social and economic factors such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and systemic inequities. Effective public safety measures should focus on addressing these underlying issues rather than solely relying on enforcement tactics, which have proven ineffective and damaging over time.

The implications of Cole's appointment extend into broader social justice struggles, as it reflects a national trend of prioritizing punitive measures over restorative justice. Movements advocating for police reform and community-led safety initiatives have gained momentum in recent years, calling for a reimagining of public safety that emphasizes prevention and support rather than criminalization. The federal government’s decision to intervene in local police matters undermines these grassroots efforts and highlights a disconnect between the priorities of the current administration and the pressing needs of communities striving for justice and equity.

In conclusion, the appointment of Terry Cole as D.C.'s emergency police commissioner represents a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle between community autonomy and federal overreach in law enforcement. As advocates for social justice and community safety, it is imperative to challenge this shift and to continue advocating for policies that prioritize restorative justice, address systemic inequalities, and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. By connecting the dots between historical patterns of policing, current events, and grassroots movements, we can foster a more informed and engaged public, ready to confront these pressing issues head-on.

Action:

The recent appointment of Terry Cole as Washington D.C.'s "emergency police commissioner" by Attorney General Pam Bondi marks a significant escalation in federal intervention in local law enforcement. This unprecedented move, executed under the auspices of the Trump administration, raises serious concerns about the erosion of local governance and the implications this has for civil liberties. The appointment not only consolidates power in the hands of federal authorities but also signals a troubling shift towards a more militarized and aggressive policing approach, a pattern that has deeply historical roots in the United States.

Historically, the federalization of local police forces often occurs during periods of unrest or perceived national crises. The 1960s, for instance, saw the federal government intervene in local police activities under the guise of maintaining law and order during civil rights protests. Such interventions typically mask deeper societal issues that need to be addressed through community engagement and systemic reform rather than heavy-handed policing. The appointment of someone like Cole, who has a lengthy history in law enforcement, particularly within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), suggests a prioritization of punitive measures over community-oriented solutions and social justice.

As citizens, it is imperative to recognize the broader implications of this appointment. The centralization of police power under Cole's leadership may serve the administration’s agenda but risks undermining the local community's ability to manage its own safety and security. The directive to share information with immigration authorities, which was previously resisted, opens the door to potential abuses and racial profiling, exacerbating the distrust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. This not only endangers vulnerable populations but also reinforces systemic inequalities that have plagued law enforcement practices for decades.

In light of these developments, we as Americans must take proactive steps to resist the federal overreach into local policing. This can be achieved through grassroots activism, community organizing, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Engaging with local representatives to express concerns about federal involvement in local policing, alongside supporting initiatives aimed at reforming police practices, can help restore the balance of power. Additionally, fostering community dialogues around safety and support can help build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Educationally, it is crucial for citizens to remain informed about the implications of such appointments and the historical context surrounding them. Understanding the relationship between federal and local law enforcement, as well as the historical patterns of policing in the U.S., equips individuals with the knowledge necessary to advocate for change. Hosting forums, workshops, or discussions on these topics can empower communities to take action, demand accountability from their leaders, and work towards a more equitable system of public safety that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.

In conclusion, the appointment of Terry Cole as Washington D.C.'s emergency police commissioner serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tension between federal oversight and local autonomy. As citizens, we have a responsibility to engage critically with these developments, advocating for policies that prioritize civil rights and community safety over punitive measures. By remaining informed and active, we can collectively push back against the encroachment of federal power into local policing, fostering a more just and equitable society in the process.

To Do:

The appointment of Terry Cole as the "emergency police commissioner" in Washington, D.C. raises significant concerns regarding the potential for increased militarization of law enforcement, erosion of community safety, and the impact on marginalized communities. Here’s a detailed list of actions we can take to respond to this situation:

### Actions We Can Take

1. **Educate Ourselves and Others:** - Stay informed about local and national policing policies and the implications of federal control over local police departments. - Host community discussions to raise awareness about the risks associated with federal intervention in local law enforcement.

2. **Petition for Accountability:** - Start or sign petitions that call for transparency and accountability in policing practices. - Example: Use platforms like Change.org or MoveOn.org to create or find petitions advocating against federal overreach in local policing.

3. **Contact Local Representatives:** - Write letters or emails to your local and state representatives expressing your concerns about the federalization of police. - **Who to write to:** - **Your local City Council members** - **Your U.S. Senators** (e.g., Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth) - Email: contact through their official Senate websites. - Mailing Address: [Senator's Name], U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510. - **Your U.S. Representative** (search for your district’s representative) - Email: contact through their official House website. - Mailing Address: [Representative's Name], U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515.

4. **Engage with Community Organizations:** - Partner with local advocacy groups that focus on police reform, civil rights, and community safety (e.g., ACLU, Black Lives Matter). - Attend meetings or events hosted by these organizations to stay involved and activated.

5. **Support Local Candidates Focused on Reform:** - Research and support local political candidates who prioritize police reform and community-based safety measures. - Volunteer for campaigns or donate to candidates who align with these values.

6. **Advocate for Policy Changes:** - Write to city officials advocating for the establishment or strengthening of oversight committees for police practices. - Propose community engagement processes that ensure residents have a say in policing policies.

7. **Use Social Media for Advocacy:** - Utilize platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to raise awareness about Terry Cole’s appointment and the implications of federal control over police. - Share articles, create infographics, and encourage others to take action.

8. **Organize or Attend Protests:** - Join or organize peaceful protests or demonstrations aimed at opposing the federalization of local police and advocating for community-led safety initiatives.

9. **Create Public Awareness Campaigns:** - Develop flyers or information sheets that detail the potential impacts of federal control over law enforcement and distribute them in your community.

### What to Say

When contacting officials or advocating in public forums, consider using the following points:

- **Express Concerns:** "I am deeply concerned about the recent appointment of Terry Cole as emergency police commissioner and its implications for our community’s safety and civil liberties." - **Call for Transparency:** "I urge you to advocate for transparency and accountability in police practices, especially in light of federal oversight." - **Promote Community Safety:** "Our community deserves a policing approach that prioritizes safety and respect for all, not one that further entrenches military-style tactics and undermines trust." - **Request Action:** "Please take a stand against federal interventions in local policing and support policies that promote community-led safety initiatives."

By taking these actions, we can work collectively to challenge the implications of Terry Cole's appointment and advocate for a justice system that serves all members of our community equitably.


Sign Our Petition



10 Related Article(s):

AP News Summary at 10:32 p.m. EDT

AP News Summary at 12:06 a.m. EDT

AP News Summary at 12:58 a.m. EDT

Prof Looks at Ways to Curb 'Bench-to-Private-Practice' Pipeline for Young Judges | Law.com

Washington D.C. attorney general sues to stop federal takeover of police department

DC sues Trump administration over 'unlawful' federal takeover

Terry Cole, chosen to take over DC's police force, has spent 22 years at DEA

Washington DC attorney general sues to stop federal takeover of police department

New lawsuit challenges Trump's federal takeover of DC police department as crackdown intensifies

D.C. Mayor, AG Reject Bondi's Police Commissioner Order


Updated very often
All Opinions and Actions are (C)opyright 2025 - TruthAndResistance.com