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The National Press Association

Washington, DC Press Pass Program Ended: What Journalists Need Now

Program ended

By The National Press Association editorial team · Last reviewed: . Policies change, so confirm with the agency’s media office before you rely on this page.

The Metropolitan Police Department ceased issuing media passes on April 1, 2015. It says the issuance of media passes “is no longer necessary” and that it is in MPD’s best interests to discontinue issuing general media passes. (source: mpdc.dc.gov, as of October 24, 2026)

When the program ended

April 1, 2015, according to the agency’s own notice. (source: mpdc.dc.gov, as of October 24, 2026)

What changed

MPD says its current policy provides for members of the media to be afforded the same access to events and incidents as members of the public, so long as that access does not pose a safety hazard or jeopardize an investigation. (source: mpdc.dc.gov)

What the agency says journalists should do now

MPD says specific pre-planned special events may require particular exemptions to its policy. It invites questions to its Public Information Office. (source: mpdc.dc.gov)

Former programThe program as it used to work

This describes the former program. It is no longer available, and you cannot apply for it. MPD says it began issuing media passes decades ago to give members of the media access to areas involving police activity and, more recently, access to controlled areas where First Amendment demonstrations were taking place. (source: mpdc.dc.gov, as of October 24, 2026)

Media contact

  • Phone: (202) 727-4383
  • Address: Public Information Office, Metropolitan Police Department, 441 4th Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20001

(source: mpdc.dc.gov)

Official page

Read the agency’s own page: the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). (source: mpdc.dc.gov)

Frequently asked questions

Does Washington, DC still issue press passes?

The Metropolitan Police Department ceased issuing media passes on April 1, 2015. It says the issuance of media passes “is no longer necessary” and that it is in MPD’s best interests to discontinue issuing general media passes.

When did the Washington, DC press pass program end?

The agency’s own notice dates the change to April 1, 2015.

What changed for journalists in Washington, DC?

MPD says its current policy provides for members of the media to be afforded the same access to events and incidents as members of the public, so long as that access does not pose a safety hazard or jeopardize an investigation.

What should journalists do now in Washington, DC?

MPD says specific pre-planned special events may require particular exemptions to its policy. It invites questions to its Public Information Office.

Who can journalists contact about media access in Washington, DC?

The agency lists: phone (202) 727-4383; Public Information Office, Metropolitan Police Department, 441 4th Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20001.

Answers restate the sourced facts on this page.

NPA membership is separate from Washington, DC credentials

A National Press Association membership is a private association credential. It is not government-issued, it is not a replacement for the program described above, and it does not guarantee access anywhere. It can serve as identity verification and supporting documentation alongside your published work. It is free to apply.

Apply for a free NPA membership

Sources

Every fact above is linked to the page it came from. Policies change, so confirm with the agency’s media office before you rely on this page.