The chief equity officer of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department has been chosen by Mayor Muriel Bowser as the agency’s next chief.

Pamela Smith has 25 years of police experience at the federal and local levels. She has served as the chief of the United States Park Police and as assistant chief of the Homeland Security Bureau.

When asked at a news conference Monday morning what her top priority will be as chief, Smith said: "Drive down crime." She said she offers a fresh perspective and a passion for public safety, NBC4 reports.

“The community wants the police to be the police and do so in a constitutional, safe and respectful manner. Make no mistake about it: I will be laser-focused to ensure we do everything we can in this space,” she said.

In an interview with NBC Washington, Smith cited 4 ways she will lead D.C. police to cut crime:

• Targeting the deployment of officers to areas affected by crime

• Engaging in long-term investigations focused on the most violent people

• Leveraging a whole-of-government approach

• Insuring the effective use of police officers