Citizens and Police Cooperating for Near Northeast and the H Street NE Corridor.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
7-8:30 p.m.
Sherwood Recreation Center
>>> IN ATTENDANCE <<<
Sgt. Rice, MPD Sexual Assault Division
Lt. Ron Wilkins, MPD Focused Mission
Lt. Sharon Mcinnis, MPD, PSA 102 LT
Alphonso Coles (MPD Community Outreach Coordinator)
David Klavitter (PSA 102 Citizen Co-Coordinator)
Marc Lesnick (PSA 102 Citizen Co-Coordinator)
Roger Mattioli (previous PSA coordinator and current PSA 102 statistician)
Other Community Members and MPD Officers
* Meeting minutes, charts, photographs and more can be accessed on the PSA 102 website at http://psa102.blogspot.com.
>>> MINUTES <<<
* SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS posted on an online community listserv were addressed by MPD Sgt. Rice. He was sent by Commander Groomes to discuss community concerns about an alleged sexual assault that occurred in the 900 block of 8th ST NE the previous weekend. He stated that there are no other assaults that appear to be linked to this incident, and that the MPD would notify the community if there was any evidence that pattern of assaults was occurring.
He said because of the difficult nature of investigating sexual assaults, an investigation was ongoing to determine if a crime had occurred. If it is determined that a crime occurred, charges will be filed.
Lt. Mcinnis praised the online listservs and blogs as important communication tools for the community. However, she cautioned residents to be careful about posting allegations as factual information, especially when police investigations are not complete.
THE MPD FOCUSED MISSION TEAM IS THE MAIN ENFORCER OF VICE LAWS explained Lt. Ron Wilkins from First District Focused Mission. He said the goal of Focused Mission is the enforcement of vice laws, especially those relating to the sale and use of illegal drugs.
Lt. Wilkins
His group is comprised of 19 officers and two sergeants, and they work throughout the First District to make arrests at locations that have been referred to them by other officers, the community, or their informants. Because of the limited resources of the group, they must prioritize their operations to the areas/individuals that are most important.
Lt. Wilkins explained:
* Focused Mission makes about 100 arrests per month, and they obtain about four arrest warrants per month;
* He stated that he would consider using a community member's house as a base of operation to observe criminal activities only as a last resort;
* He recently lost the officer who specialized in working on nuisance abatement properties- he hopes to replace the officer soon;
* He reminded the attendees that there is no anti-loitering law in D.C., and that only individuals actually engaged in criminal activity are the focus of his group;
* His group was also the one responsible for parking the police van around different parts of the district. The van does appear to have a temporary effect on loitering and crime, but must be moved frequently to maintain effectiveness.
* Residents wanting to call attention to a house involved with drugs, an open air market, or an individual that they believe are selling drugs, should contact PSA 102 Lt Mcinnis, who will relay the request to Focused Mission for prioritization.
ACTION ITEM: The PSA coordinators and Lt Mcinnis will track current hot spots for drug activity that the community has concerns about, and the Lt will ensure that this information is passed to Lt Wilkins for action.
A SHARP DROP IN BURGLARIES was highlighted during the April meeting. MPD Sgt Rogers, newly assigned to PSA102 as part of the MPD reorganization said just seven burglaries occurred during March--down from 26 in February and 29 in January.
CLICK TO ENLARGE CHART
Sgt. Rogers explained MPD techniques that have been effective in significantly lowering the rate of burglaries in PSA102. Several arrests were made, and one suspect is deceased
He suggests that homeowners make sure that easy to access windows on the second floor should be secured, use motion sensor lights, and if going away, ensure that mail and papers do not pile up on your doorstep
ROBBERIES continue to be a problem, but MPD is very aware and have more plainclothes officers on the streets. Focused Mission also is attempting to gain information from those arrested on drug violations.
Sgt. Rogers said most robberies occur in the evening. Most victims were walking alone.
Residents are reminded when walking anywhere in the city to stay alert--especially when listening to an iPod or talking on a cell phone--and try to walk near better-lighted, busier streets and sidewalks.
ACTION ITEM: Lt. McGinnis is planning an "Operation Fight Back" in May for PSA 102. This is a one or two block area targeted for street safety improvements and cleanup. This area needs to be one with strong neighborhood support, and that could be improved by increased attention. She said a block has been selected and will be announced soon. Learn more about "Operation Fight Back".
>>> ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING ON TUESDAY, MAY 9 <<<
* Metro Transit Police are scheduled to attend the May 9 meeting to hear the community's concerns about crime at bus stops in PSA 102, and especially those on H St. NE.
* Assess burglary, robbery situation, to see if arrests have been made or stats show frequency decreasing.
7-8:30 p.m.
Sherwood Recreation Center
>>> IN ATTENDANCE <<<
Sgt. Rice, MPD Sexual Assault Division
Lt. Ron Wilkins, MPD Focused Mission
Lt. Sharon Mcinnis, MPD, PSA 102 LT
Alphonso Coles (MPD Community Outreach Coordinator)
David Klavitter (PSA 102 Citizen Co-Coordinator)
Marc Lesnick (PSA 102 Citizen Co-Coordinator)
Roger Mattioli (previous PSA coordinator and current PSA 102 statistician)
Other Community Members and MPD Officers
* Meeting minutes, charts, photographs and more can be accessed on the PSA 102 website at http://psa102.blogspot.com.
>>> MINUTES <<<
* SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS posted on an online community listserv were addressed by MPD Sgt. Rice. He was sent by Commander Groomes to discuss community concerns about an alleged sexual assault that occurred in the 900 block of 8th ST NE the previous weekend. He stated that there are no other assaults that appear to be linked to this incident, and that the MPD would notify the community if there was any evidence that pattern of assaults was occurring.
He said because of the difficult nature of investigating sexual assaults, an investigation was ongoing to determine if a crime had occurred. If it is determined that a crime occurred, charges will be filed.
Lt. Mcinnis praised the online listservs and blogs as important communication tools for the community. However, she cautioned residents to be careful about posting allegations as factual information, especially when police investigations are not complete.
THE MPD FOCUSED MISSION TEAM IS THE MAIN ENFORCER OF VICE LAWS explained Lt. Ron Wilkins from First District Focused Mission. He said the goal of Focused Mission is the enforcement of vice laws, especially those relating to the sale and use of illegal drugs.
Lt. WilkinsHis group is comprised of 19 officers and two sergeants, and they work throughout the First District to make arrests at locations that have been referred to them by other officers, the community, or their informants. Because of the limited resources of the group, they must prioritize their operations to the areas/individuals that are most important.
Lt. Wilkins explained:
* Focused Mission makes about 100 arrests per month, and they obtain about four arrest warrants per month;
* He stated that he would consider using a community member's house as a base of operation to observe criminal activities only as a last resort;
* He recently lost the officer who specialized in working on nuisance abatement properties- he hopes to replace the officer soon;
* He reminded the attendees that there is no anti-loitering law in D.C., and that only individuals actually engaged in criminal activity are the focus of his group;
* His group was also the one responsible for parking the police van around different parts of the district. The van does appear to have a temporary effect on loitering and crime, but must be moved frequently to maintain effectiveness.
* Residents wanting to call attention to a house involved with drugs, an open air market, or an individual that they believe are selling drugs, should contact PSA 102 Lt Mcinnis, who will relay the request to Focused Mission for prioritization.
ACTION ITEM: The PSA coordinators and Lt Mcinnis will track current hot spots for drug activity that the community has concerns about, and the Lt will ensure that this information is passed to Lt Wilkins for action.
A SHARP DROP IN BURGLARIES was highlighted during the April meeting. MPD Sgt Rogers, newly assigned to PSA102 as part of the MPD reorganization said just seven burglaries occurred during March--down from 26 in February and 29 in January.
CLICK TO ENLARGE CHARTSgt. Rogers explained MPD techniques that have been effective in significantly lowering the rate of burglaries in PSA102. Several arrests were made, and one suspect is deceased
He suggests that homeowners make sure that easy to access windows on the second floor should be secured, use motion sensor lights, and if going away, ensure that mail and papers do not pile up on your doorstep
ROBBERIES continue to be a problem, but MPD is very aware and have more plainclothes officers on the streets. Focused Mission also is attempting to gain information from those arrested on drug violations.
Sgt. Rogers said most robberies occur in the evening. Most victims were walking alone.
Residents are reminded when walking anywhere in the city to stay alert--especially when listening to an iPod or talking on a cell phone--and try to walk near better-lighted, busier streets and sidewalks.
ACTION ITEM: Lt. McGinnis is planning an "Operation Fight Back" in May for PSA 102. This is a one or two block area targeted for street safety improvements and cleanup. This area needs to be one with strong neighborhood support, and that could be improved by increased attention. She said a block has been selected and will be announced soon. Learn more about "Operation Fight Back".
>>> ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING ON TUESDAY, MAY 9 <<<
* Metro Transit Police are scheduled to attend the May 9 meeting to hear the community's concerns about crime at bus stops in PSA 102, and especially those on H St. NE.
* Assess burglary, robbery situation, to see if arrests have been made or stats show frequency decreasing.
MPD's H Street NE evening shift Officers P. Nguyen (left) and E. Walsh photographed near the intersection of H and 8th Streets on April 21. They walk the two-officer beat Tuesday through Saturday from 2:30-11 p.m. Click for a larger view. (Klavitter photo)Labels: PSA102Blue
CLICK FOR A LARGER VIEW(source: Metropolitan Police Dept.)
MPD Sgt. G. Mapp on April 11, 2006, during PSA 102 meeting. Click for a larger view. (Klavitter photo)Labels: PSA102Blue
MPD Sgt. Rogers on April 11, 2006, during PSA 102 meeting. Click for a larger view. (Klavitter photo)Labels: PSA102Blue
Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) First District Commander Diane Groomes and PSA 102 Lt. Sharon Mcinnis requested that Sgt. Rice of the MPD Sexual Assault Unit attend last night’s (April 11) PSA 102 meeting to address the community’s concerns about an alleged sexual assault, which reportedly happened on April 5 in the 900 block of 8th Street NE.
Information about the alleged incident was distributed April 10 by a citizen's post to several community blogs and listservs.
Sgt. Rice confirmed to the group that his unit is investigating an allegation of a crime, but would not offer specific details of the case. He reiterated that if it was determined a crime was committed—or there exists a potential danger to the community—his unit would immediately notify PSA 102 officers.
When asked if residents should be concerned, he responded that residents always should be mindful of their surroundings anywhere in the city.
Sgt. Rice explained that due to the difficult nature of sexual assaults, an investigation is often necessary to ensure that a crime was committed. He said if police determine that a crime has occurred, his team would file a report and proceed with a case.
Both Sgt. Rice and Lt. Mcinnis said they understood the community’s concerns, but emphasized, “this seems to be an isolated incident.”
Lt. Mcinnis praised the online listservs and blogs as important communication tools for the community. However, she cautioned residents to be careful about posting allegations as factual information, especially when police investigations are not complete.
Full PSA 102 minutes of the April 11 monthly meeting will be distributed in the next few days.
Information about the alleged incident was distributed April 10 by a citizen's post to several community blogs and listservs.
Sgt. Rice confirmed to the group that his unit is investigating an allegation of a crime, but would not offer specific details of the case. He reiterated that if it was determined a crime was committed—or there exists a potential danger to the community—his unit would immediately notify PSA 102 officers.
When asked if residents should be concerned, he responded that residents always should be mindful of their surroundings anywhere in the city.
Sgt. Rice explained that due to the difficult nature of sexual assaults, an investigation is often necessary to ensure that a crime was committed. He said if police determine that a crime has occurred, his team would file a report and proceed with a case.
Both Sgt. Rice and Lt. Mcinnis said they understood the community’s concerns, but emphasized, “this seems to be an isolated incident.”
Lt. Mcinnis praised the online listservs and blogs as important communication tools for the community. However, she cautioned residents to be careful about posting allegations as factual information, especially when police investigations are not complete.
Full PSA 102 minutes of the April 11 monthly meeting will be distributed in the next few days.
During the March PSA 102 meeting, U.S. Attorney Giuliana Dunham, community prosecutor for District 1, spoke about nuisance properties and how to deal with them. Her office has several success stories from PSA 102 posted on its website:
810 F Street NE
707 7th Street NE
523 Florida Ave. NE
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, nuisance properties are frequently neglected by their owner and used for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, prostitution and public drinking. The U.S. Attorney's Office and its partners in the Nuisance Property Program have successfully abated a number of nuisance properties across the City.
To report a nuisance property in your neighborhood, contact the First District Community Prosecution staff at 202-698-0346. Learn more about the program here.
810 F Street NE
707 7th Street NE
523 Florida Ave. NE
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, nuisance properties are frequently neglected by their owner and used for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, prostitution and public drinking. The U.S. Attorney's Office and its partners in the Nuisance Property Program have successfully abated a number of nuisance properties across the City.
To report a nuisance property in your neighborhood, contact the First District Community Prosecution staff at 202-698-0346. Learn more about the program here.
April 11 Meeting Will Address Lower Burglary, Festering Robbery Numbers
Published Thursday, April 06, 2006 by Klav.
WHAT: Police Service Area (PSA) 102 monthly meeting
WHEN: April 11 (2nd Tuesday of each month)
TIME: 7-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St NE
AGENDA:
* Hear from MPD First District Focused Mission Lt. Ron Wilkins, who will discuss his unit’s concentration on hot spots of criminal activity.
* Assess results of MPD burglary focus. Discuss festering robbery problem. Review other statistics.
* Identify problem areas in PSA 102 which citizens can remedy through the Partnership for Problem Solving (PPS) process.
**** PSA 102 meetings enable residents and police to discuss, identify and take action against crime and other quality of life issues in the community. The meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at the Sherwood Recreation Center, 10th and G Streets NE. 7-8:30 p.m. Tell your friends and neighbors! ****
BOUNDRIES of PSA 102 are (clockwise) the railroad tracks at Union Station, Florida Avenue NE, Maryland Avenue NE, 9th Street, East Capitol Street, 2nd Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Columbus Circle. See the MPD website and map to determine your PSA:
http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1239,Q,543658,mpdcNav_GID,1534.asp
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PSA 102, photos, crime maps and more go to http://psa102.blogspot.com.
QUESTIONS can be answered by PSA 102 Citizen Coordinators:
Marc Lesnick: 202-543-3736 (marc_lesnick@yahoo.com)
David Klavitter: 202-547-5745 (klav@questforquiet.org)
Or
Alphonso C. Coles, MPD Community Outreach Coordinator: 202-497-5033
alphonso.coles@dc.gov
WHEN: April 11 (2nd Tuesday of each month)
TIME: 7-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St NE
AGENDA:
* Hear from MPD First District Focused Mission Lt. Ron Wilkins, who will discuss his unit’s concentration on hot spots of criminal activity.
* Assess results of MPD burglary focus. Discuss festering robbery problem. Review other statistics.
* Identify problem areas in PSA 102 which citizens can remedy through the Partnership for Problem Solving (PPS) process.
**** PSA 102 meetings enable residents and police to discuss, identify and take action against crime and other quality of life issues in the community. The meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at the Sherwood Recreation Center, 10th and G Streets NE. 7-8:30 p.m. Tell your friends and neighbors! ****
BOUNDRIES of PSA 102 are (clockwise) the railroad tracks at Union Station, Florida Avenue NE, Maryland Avenue NE, 9th Street, East Capitol Street, 2nd Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Columbus Circle. See the MPD website and map to determine your PSA:
http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1239,Q,543658,mpdcNav_GID,1534.asp
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PSA 102, photos, crime maps and more go to http://psa102.blogspot.com.
QUESTIONS can be answered by PSA 102 Citizen Coordinators:
Marc Lesnick: 202-543-3736 (marc_lesnick@yahoo.com)
David Klavitter: 202-547-5745 (klav@questforquiet.org)
Or
Alphonso C. Coles, MPD Community Outreach Coordinator: 202-497-5033
alphonso.coles@dc.gov
About volunteer coordinators:
- Klav
- Washington, D.C., United States
- Supporting freedom of speech, religion, the right to assemble and the right to peace and quiet.
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Last posts
- PSA102 Public Safety Committee Has Moved
- March PSA 102 Meeting Agenda and Minutes
- February Agenda and Minutes
- Charged with Rape Suspect returns to the Community
- January PSA 102 Meeting Notes
- 'Big 8' Burglary Arrestees
- PSA 102 Blue: Ofc. K. Fersner
- PSA 102 Rules of the Road Safety Meeting: Nov. 30
- Deter Burglaries with These Tips
- November PSA 102 Meeting Report