Assistant D.C. Police Chief Diane Groomes has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.
D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier made the announcement Friday.
Groomes is accused of compromising a test given to members of the D.C. police command staff.
"Just want to say I'm sorry for my actions," Groomes said in a statement e-mailed to NBC Washington.
An internal investigation is already under way.
Effective immediately Assistant Chief Alfred Durham will oversee the Patrol Services and School Security Bureau.