It looks like spring has officially arrived and the Cherry Blossoms will soon be here. I've been spending most of my days at the Wilson Building in oversight hearings, and my evenings out at community events. Last night, we had a great conversation with ANC 6A about Books From Birth, public safety efforts, DC Streetcar, residential parking, and much, much more. I hope to see you around Ward 6 soon!

Metro Making Improvements

Public Safety Update for Ward 6
As I’ve written about more than I wished, improving public safety remains a top priority. Over the last several months, I continue to stay in touch with each of our MPD Commanders. We’ve had two major leadership changes in Ward 6. Commander Stuart Emerman has taken over as Commander for the 3rd District (which includes the Shaw neighborhood) and Commander Robert Contee has taken over as Commander for the 1st District (which includes the majority of Ward 6). I’ve been impressed with both of them and have been talking with each about their strategies for the neighborhoods and to be proactive as the weather warms.
I’ve also shared with you that the Council has worked on broader public safety reforms. Those efforts were approved recently and I thought it would be helpful to share more detail and information. Here is a list of things that are funded and will be implemented immediately through this legislation:
• The DC Superior Court, Pre-Trial Services, and prosecutors can now revoke pretrial release for up to 72 hours if an individual violates a stay-away order or tampers with a GPS tracking device.
• My legislation to create a rebate program to help residents and businesses install security cameras on the exterior of their property and register them with MPD is now permanently in law.
• The Department of Forensic Science will be able to begin hiring retired officers, enabling the Department to bring experienced staff into the Crime Scene Sciences division and freeing up patrol officers to be out on the streets where we need them.
• Puts in place new officer retention and recruitment incentives – critical to crime intervention and prevention, as well as helping ensure we keep an adequate number of officers on the force.
• Revises the problematic definition of Assault on a Police Officer and codifies Resisting Arrest.
• Expands data collection and reporting by MPD in several areas and directs the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice to annually analyze trends associated with MPD felony crime statistics, utilizing several specific data points.
These are real, immediate, and meaningful reforms – and there are more within this law. These efforts, along with many more aspects of the overall legislation, are a good step to improving public safety (in addition to the millions of dollars for other measures we're put in place over the last year). I also continue to work with neighbors on other ideas. I take these efforts seriously and continue to work with urgency to ensure a safe community for everyone.
Oversight and Budget Hearings

Upcoming Events
Friday, March 18, 8-9:30am: Ward 6 Community Office Hours - Hill East
Thursday, March 24 -- Mayor's Proposed FY17 Budget Is Released
Friday, April 1, 8-9:30am: Ward 6 Community Office Hours - Shaw
Wednesday, April 6 -- Council FY17 Budget Hearings Begin
Friday, April 8, 8-9:30am: Ward 6 Community Office Hours - Southwest
Thursday, April 21, 6:30-8pm: Ward 6 Budget Town Hall
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