Trump's Takeover of Washington Law Enforcement Begins After National Guard Troops Arrive

TIME

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser says the city will aim to “make the most of” the increase in federal resources in the city after Trump’s announcement that he’s taking over Washington’s police department and activating 800 members of the National Guard.

Transcript

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.

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