00:00What I'm focused on is the federal surge and
00:05how to make the most of the additional officer support that we have.
00:10We have the best in the business and MPD and Chief Pamela Smith to lead that effort and
00:16to make sure that the men and women who are coming from federal law enforcement are being
00:22well used, and that if there's National Guard here, that they're being well used.
00:27And all in an effort to drive down crime.
00:30So how we got here or what we think about the circumstances right now,
00:39we have more police and we want to make sure we're using them.
00:42We have been working collaboratively.
00:43I think this is going to be a good effort.
00:46It's going to be an effort that's supported by both teams,
00:48the Metropolitan Police Department, as well as our federal partners.
00:51As you know, we work daily with them.
00:54What we've done at this point is we have provided the team, the administrator,
00:59with a strategic plan on how we will provide resources around our city.
01:05I think it's something that is doable.
01:06We know that we have to get illegal guns off of our street.
01:09And if we have this influx or enhanced presence,
01:14it's going to make our city even better.
01:15As part of the president's massive law enforcement surge, last night,
01:24approximately 850 officers and agents were surged across the city.
01:29They made a total of 23 arrests, including multiple other contacts.
01:34Last night, these arrests consisted of homicide, firearms offenses,
01:39possession with intent to distribute narcotics, fair evasion, lewd acts,
01:44stalking, possession of a high capacity magazine, fleeing to a lewd in a vehicle,
01:50no permits, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and a bench warrant.
01:55As for the timing, we will reevaluate and reassess and make further decisions
01:59after this 30 day period is up.
02:02But within these 30 days, our entire focus is making sure
02:06that this is the most efficient operation possible
02:08and that we are removing as many criminals from the streets
02:12and we are cleaning up D.C. as best as we can
02:15and working with the Metropolitan Police Department to do that.
02:18The Metropolitan Police Department, with the support of the new federal agencies
02:23who have been surging on the streets of the District of Columbia,
02:26are going to enforce the laws that are already on the books here in Washington, D.C.
02:31For far too long, these laws have been completely ignored
02:34and the homelessness problem has ravaged the city.
02:37So D.C. Code 221307 and D.C. Municipal Regulation 24100
02:43give the Metropolitan Police Department the authority to take action
02:47when it comes to homeless encampments.
02:50So homeless individuals will be given the option to leave their encampment,
02:54to be taken to a homeless shelter, to be offered addiction or mental health services,
03:00and if they refuse, they will be susceptible to fines or to jail time.
Comments