Working for Fixes to Our 911 System, Prosecutorial Accountability, and Public Safety

Public safety is a top issue for DC and there is much DC government needs to be doing. I'm not immune: I've had a visiting friend's car stolen and another held up at gunpoint. I talk often to victims of crimes in Eckington. When residents dial 911, they should be confident someone will answer. Small businesses should be protected from smash-and-grab robberies. Habitual and violent criminals shouldn't be let off the hook by prosecutors. Police and other public safety agencies should have the resources they need, be in the community, and accountable.

I authored an article in Reason magazine in July 2024, analyzing causes of the 2023 DC crime wave and recommending policy solutions. The article notes that federal prosecutors in DC dismissed 67% of arrests in 2022 and 56% in 2023 (compared to just 4% in Philadelphia, 14% in Chicago, and 16% in Manhattan), mismanagement at the DC crime lab processing evidence and the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) running the 911 system, lack of action on out-of-control school truancy rates, and police practices that deploy not enough resources to the places that need it most.

I work to ensure follow-up by officials on major crimes in 5F06, connect crime victims with DC resources, arrange safety walks in the community, and work to make sure proportional police and public safety resources are in Eckington. Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and the NoMa Business Improvement District also host regular calls with MPD and other officials where members of the public can ask questions.

• January 2023: I sponsor ANC5F-25-001 which, among other things, establishes an ANC 5F committee on public safety and health, for Eckington and Edgewood residents to discuss safety issues and prepare recommendations for Commission, Council, or agency action. Also in January, I join an MPD safety walk along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, and join Commissioners Anderson, Galvan, and Sahni at a Mayor's forum on crime issues.

• February 2023: I vote for ANC5F-25-011 to support a budget request for additional violence interruption services in Edgewood. 

• August 2023: I participate in Councilmember Parker's Ward 5 safety forum.

• September 2023: I sponsor ANC5F-25-055 detailing issues with the 911 system and urging policy changes to address them. I also host an MPD public safety forum at the Gale.

• October 2023: I meet with MPD and crime victims from robberies and a shooting on Quincy Lane.

• January 2024: I vote for ANC5F-25-079 which recommends policy changes to address carjackings. I also vote for ANC5F-25-080 which recommends various policy changes to reduce gun violence, including a presumption of detention for violent offenders, greater police resources to address violent offenses, and public services to deter criminal behavior.

• February 2024: I testify to the DC Council's oversight hearing for the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, pressing for action on prosecutorial dismissals, truancy enforcement, the manual process for tracking warrants, and police staffing. Also, I attend a forum with Councilmember Parker on public safety spending priorities.

• March 2024: I attend a public safety forum hosted by the Mayor.

• January 2025: I vote for ANC5F-26-006 which further circulates the recommendations of ANC5F-25-080 to address gun violence. I also meet with MPD and victims of a shooting near Alethia Tanner Park.

• February 2025: Public safety meet-and-greet with MPD on Quincy Lane.

• April 2025: ANC 5F hosts a public safety listening session at Harry Thomas Recreation Center. 

• May 2025: I share updates about increased robberies on the Metropolitan Branch Trail, and MPD stations a new bicycle-based unit on the MBT.

• June 2025: I vote for ANC5F-26-028 urging a public hearing for the President's nominee for DC prosecutor.

• July 2025: I vote for ANC5F-26-034 urging review of agency data sharing and cooperation with ICE actions in schools and sensitive places.

• September 2025: I sponsor ANC5F-26-045 which condemns federal overreach and demands the return of D.C. funds. I also co-sponsor ANC5F-26-046 which urges clear identifiability policies for any federal law enforcement officials operating in the District of Columbia. 

• October 2025: I meet with MPD and victims of a shooting at 3rd/T. MPD increases their police presence in the area.

How can you help? Consider joining ANC 5F's public safety and health committee, as either a member or an attendee. Contact the Mayor and the Council for policy changes you would like to see that would improve public safety, ccing your commissioner. If you have questions you'd like to ask of MPD or public safety officials, I can share the next public forum or testifying opportunity with you.