August 25, 2016

Resident angst about gun violence and parks once thought safe

August 25, 2016/ Drew

This summer has seen an increase in gun violence that is understandably making residents very agitated and looking for someone to both blame and provide solutions. Neither is easy to find.

Residents met with MPD and DC gov leadership at the Hamilton Recreation Center on Wednesday evening, August 24th to discuss the recent shooting at Hamilton Park on August 18th and talk through the issue. The takeaway is that residents are upset, and DC agencies don't have concrete strategies.

August 24, 2016

Chief Lanier sends goodbye/thank you email, introduces interim Chief Peter Newsham

August 24, 2016/ Drew

MPD Chief of Police Cathy Lanier sent an email to the MPD listservs this afternoon thanking residents for their support, and introducing the new interim chief of police, Peter Newsham.

August 24, 2016

What's the deal with smoking pot in public?

August 24, 2016/ Guest Contributor

Though pot was legalized in the District as of February 26, 2015, navigating DC’s seemingly ever-changing legalized pot law sometimes requires the dexterity of Simone Biles. In fact, as recently as April of this year, over a year after pot was legalized in DC, the City Council acted to ban any kind of marijuana use outside of private residences. Through all the misinformation, misinterpretations, and misunderstandings one thing has remained clear: transferring money, goods, or services in exchange for any amount of pot is a great way to land yourself in the DC Jail.

This is the first article by new contributing writer Darrell Chambers.

August 23, 2016

Community meeting at Hamilton Rec Center about recent gun violence

August 23, 2016/ Drew

Maria Barry, ANC 4C02 Commissioner, and Sean Wieland, candidate for ANC 4C01 Commissioner, will hold a community meeting at Hamilton Park tomorrow (Wednesday, August 24, 2016) at 7pm.

August 16, 2016

MPD Chief Cathy Lanier resigns

August 16, 2016/ Drew

The Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy Lanier will resign next month to become the Senior Vice President of Security Operations for the National Football League. The Washington Post carried the news earlier on Tuesday, and just before 2pm, Chief Lanier sent the following email to the MPD listservs:

July 24, 2016

Join MPD & the Georgia Ave Family Support Collaborative for "Beat the Streets" Fair

July 24, 2016/ Drew

Wednesday, July 28th is an event sponsored by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative. Called "Beat the Streets," the free event will be from 2pm - 7:30pm on 9th Street NW just below Upshur St.

July 17, 2016

Shooting at 5th & Allison St, one injured

July 17, 2016/ Drew

At an intersection known for summertime fireworks and people hanging outside late at night, a loud staccato of bullet fire confused some, scared others and injured one young woman.

The shooting on Saturday night around 10:30pm at 5th and Allison St NW was witnessed by several people and heard by neighbors for blocks around. Reports tell of anywhere from 6 to 15 shots, and from witness accounts at the scene, the shooters used both a handgun and a rifle.

June 14, 2016

PSA 407 meeting Thursday

June 14, 2016/ Drew

If you live in Petworth east of Georgia Avenue and below Gallatin then you're in Police Service Area (PSA) 407. Lieutenant Anthony Washington is holding a PSA meeting on Thursday, June 16th at 7pm at 801 Shepherd St NW.

May 31, 2016

Community meeting on working with young adults & returning citizens

May 31, 2016/ Drew

Commissioner David Sheon sent out an email that I meant to share. He's scheduled a second meeting at the Brightwood United Methodist Church (8th & Jefferson St NW) at 6:30 tonight (May 31st) to talk more about non-judicial ways to help at-risk youth and returning citizens. If you live in the area or are concerned about the ways to help reduce crime while helping those most in need of support, you should consider attending. Read Commissioner Sheon's email...

May 29, 2016

MPD no longer tweeting breaking crime, using AlertDC system instead (updated 5/31)

May 29, 2016/ Drew

According to a Washington Post article, MPD is no longer using their Twitter feed to share breaking news on crime occurring in the District. Can't say I'm a fan of any police department finding ways to communicate less with residents who want to be informed and engaged. Read more for details...

May 20, 2016

A partnership between MPD, OAG and the community “solves” a long-time problem with an eviction

May 20, 2016/ Drew

The house at 236 Gallatin St NW has been called a “problem house” and a “nuisance property” by neighbors and MPD for close to a decade. Over the years there have been at least three warrants served at the property, with arrests made and drugs confiscated. On Thursday morning, May 19th, US Marshals made good on their Writ of Eviction served a few months ago, and put out the squatters and residents who were living at the Gallatin rowhouse.

May 10, 2016

Large police response to Monroe and 10th on Monday night

May 10, 2016/ Drew

If you saw a helicopter circling and SWAT-like MPD trucks racing up Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues on Monday night, it wasn't a gang war or response to a terror threat. MPD was responding to a domestic issue.

May 03, 2016

Update on shooting on Illinois, sounds of gunshots on Decatur tonight

May 03, 2016/ Drew

It's been a busy day for the officers and detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department in PSA 407. There was a shooting around 4pm this afternoon on the 4500 block of Illinois Avenue, then this evening MPD responded to a report of the sounds of gunshots at 8th and Decatur Street

May 03, 2016

Shooting on the 4500 block of Illinois Ave, MPD investigating

May 03, 2016/ Drew

There's a pretty significant MPD presence on the 4500 block of Illinois Avenue, between Allison and Buchanan Streets, after a man was found in his car suffering from a gunshot wound.