Relations between D.C. police Chief Cathy Lanier and the union representing rank-and-file officers have deteriorated over charges that internal investigators tried to force their way into a wounded officer’s hospital room, critics said Monday.

Ivory Smith was wounded after her gun discharged as she tried to arrest three suspects in a gas station robbery. While she was awaiting surgery, investigators demanded she give a taped statement, her union steward, Officer Timothy Finnegan, told The Examiner.