The commander of the Metropolitan Police Department’s second district, which covers much of Northwest Washington, was transferred to another position Saturday shortly before his replacement was named.
Matthew Klein had served as commander, the top supervisor in the police district, for the last two years, he said in an e-mail to the district’s mailing list.
“I have enjoyed serving as your commander over the last two years,” Klein said in a message just after midnight Saturday, “however, taking on this new position will enable me to spend much needed time with my family.”
Michael Reese introduced himself soon after as the new commander. Prior to his promotion, he had served for two years as inspector in the first district, which covers downtown, Capitol Hill, Southwest Washington and other neighborhoods.
“I plan on taking the lessons I’ve learned in my past positions to provide professional and dedicated services to the residents of the second district,” Reese said in his message.
Reese lives in ward five and has worked for MPD for 25 years.
The crime rate fell “almost 10 percent” in 2010 from 2009, Klein said, a move that he credited to his employees and the residents of the area.
