PSA 308 Meeting Summary

PSA 308 Meeting Notes
January 11, 2007, 6:30-8pm
United House of Prayer

Approximately 35 people were in attendance, including about 10 MVSNA members.  Lt. Neal, Sgt. Penn, Officer Barnes, and Marco Santiago of 3D attended.  Representatives from the US Attorneys Office and DC Attorney General's office were present.  All ANC 2C Commissioners also attended.

Lt. Neal presented the crime stats for the past 30 days.  Believe it or not, crime is down 24 percent from the same period last year.  It is down in almost every category.   In the last month in PSA 308, there was 1 homicide, 5 robberies, 5 assaults, 13 violent crimes, 3 burglaries, 5 thefts, 10 thefts from autos, 6 autos stolen, and 34 property crimes.

The main problem in the PSAs is the shootings.  There is a gang fued centered at 7 & 0, 8 & R, 5 & O, and 5 and N.  It is apparently related to drug turf.

Lt. Neal presented an action plan that he developed with Commissioner Padro.  The plan includes the following elements:

• Officers will be stationed at 8 & N, 5 & N, and 8 & R in parked cars after 8pm.
• Cars will circulate continuously up 5th Street particularly between N and O and 7th Street.
• 3 light trucks will be  stationed on the 1300 and 1500 Blocks of 7th, 5 & O, and M Street.
• Random compliance checks will be conducted at the areas above.
• A horse patrol has been requested.
• They are coordinating with the gang unit.
• You can call the "watch commander" (the officer in charge in 3D at night at 202-359-0855) regarding suspicious persons, gun shots, auto breakins).
• Commissioner Padro will post fliers urging residents to report suspicious activity.

There was a lengthy presentation on how the prosecutors handle juveniles.  There was a handout provided on the District's Youth Court, which engages and attempts to educate youths on the  impact their crimes have on the community.  The has been a federal youth court for 10 years, but they are in the process of starting a new Ward 2 youth court.  For more information, contact Marilyn Morey at marilyn.morey@usdoj.gov.  The AGs office also has a "mediation program" that also has a similar focus.

Lt. Neal noted that in order to get the CCTV tape, he needs to write a memo requesting the tape, it goes up through the chain of command, and then they physically obtain the tape.  Apparently that's part of the regs that control access to the cameras.  It was noted that a shooting earlier in the week at 7 and O might have been caught on tape, however, it appeared that several days later the officers had still not reviewed the tape.  Frustration was expressed by several residents as to why it takes so long.  Cameras are currently at 5th and O and 7th and O.

Lt. Neal discussed the "Adopt a Block" program.  For example, Earl Brown is liaison for 5th and O.  Every block with have a contact person.  It is a citywide program.  if you want to know who is the officer for your block, contact Lt. Neal.  I will obtain the full list from Lt. Neal and make it available on the website.

Officer Barnes commented that the reason for the shootings is there are two clubs on friday and saturday, Tunnel and Classics (gogos), respectively.  All of the kids go to the same schools.  The beefs start in the clubs and schools and then spills out the the neighborhood.  The person who got shot at 5 and N is not talking.  Apartment Buildings all have cameras, such as the Washington Apartments, which need to be accessed.  Will be involve other agencies and drafting a follow up action plan to Lt. Neal.  Not all of the kids involved live here.  Some have family here.  Need to ID people from the videos.  They are working on it.  They will soon take action and believe crime will drop.  Can't stop them from standing on street corner, but can ask them to move.

Sean Howard of the Office of Neighborhood Service, sean.howard@dc.gov.  He is the Ward 2 Community Outreach Coordinator for the mayor.  His job is to liaison between different offices and agencies, and to attend community meetings and report back to the mayor.  He has taken on the responsibilities of Desi Deschaine and Carson Klapthor.

ANC Commissioner Kevin Chapple introduced himself, thanked everyone for coming, and encouraged residents to hold MPD's feet to the fire.  He can be reached at chapple.anc@aol.com or 202-449-5072.

Captain Gerry Scott introduced himself.  He oversees PSA 301, 302, 307 and 308.  He is a native Washingtonian with 25 years on the force.  He can be reached at 202-576-8228 or gerry.scott@dc.gov.  He noted that MPD is putting a lot of resources into our area but it is going to take some time to get at the deep rooted problems.

A resident asked when the plans will go into effect.  Lt. Neal said that his plan is pending Commander McCoy's approval and should be implemented within a week.  Officer Barnes said his follow up plan should be implemented in about 3 weeks.

A resident asked about the lack of foot patrols.  Lt. Neal responded that it is a manpower issue.  They have just enough officers to put them in cars.

Anne Hill of Second Northwest Coop expressed frustration that officers are not stopping people who have orders prohibiting them from their property.  She and 2nd Northwest are working with Inspector Burke to update the list.  While bar notices for the public street last only one year.  There was some confusion as to whether the coop can bar people from their private property for more than one year.  the US Attorneys Office will research the issue.

The next PSA 308 meeting will be held at 2nd Northwest Coop.