ANC2C02 Forum

There were apparently about 16 MPD Training Academy officers walking on the 1300-1500 blocks off 5th Street alone this afternoon according to one report. They were handing out contact information and speaking with everyone they ran into as they made their way through the neighborhood. This level of MPD presence in this area is unprecedented in recent years, but it is welcomed in the wake of recent shootings. The MPD seems to be responding to the increased level of community outrage over recent crimes. Reportedly, they expect to be around for several days at this level of duty. The text of their handout is below.

"You have been visited by members of the Metropolitan Police Department's Training Academy. We are conducting a community policing training exercise entitled the Focused Redeployment Enhancement Effort (FREE). Chief Lanier challenged her staff to develop innovative programs that will enhance police visibility while accomplishing the department's mission. This training exercise is a result of that challenge. The goal of this training exercise is to

1. Get police recruits out of the classroom and into the community;
2. Provide police recruits with experience walking a footbeat;
3. Create the opportunity for the face-to-face police/citizen encounters in a non-stressful environment; and
4. Create a greater level of police visibility in neighborhoods.

If we have missed you on this initial visit, we look forward to meeting and working with you in the future.”

[ PSA Officer information and the District telephone numbers and emergency numbers are listed on the flip side of the card. 3rd District MPD (202) 673-6815 ]