22 July, 2008

D.C. Emergency Management Agency Launches Blog

DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Launches Blog and Facebook Group
CONTACT: Jo’Ellen G. Countee, (202) 727-2985

The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) has launched its new blog, Be Ready DC, at http://bereadydc.blogspot.com and a Facebook group, Be Ready DC. The blog and Facebook group provide information about homeland security, emergency management and general preparedness.

Both of these sites give HSEMA the opportunity to use social media to reach thousands of citizens that it normally would not reach using traditional means. In addition, it provides citizens with greater access to the agency and an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and make suggestions.

“The use of social media tools such as blogs and Facebook pages is becoming more common across all levels of government,” said HSEMA Director Darrell Darnell. “With about 57 million Americans reading blogs, it is obvious that this form of communication appeals to a wide range of people. We want to use this communication tool to help us push our message out to the widest possible audience.”

To participate in the blog, simply visit http://bereadydc.blogspot.com. To access the Facebook group, log on via www.facebook.com, click on "Groups" and enter “Be Ready DC” in the search box. HSEMA encourages residents, students, commuters, and visitors to visit the sites and actively participate.

Neighborhood Safety Zone in Trinidad

MPD Investigates Multiple Violent Crimes, Establishes Second Neighborhood Safety Zone in Trinidad City Administrator Dan Tangherlini and Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced today that the Metropolitan Police Department has established the second Neighborhood Safety Zone (NSZ) in the Trinidad Area.

The NSZ have been established as a result of seven people shot in five separate incidents resulting in the death of 13-year-old Alonzo Robinson in the 1500 block of Holbrook Street, NE, in the early morning hours of Saturday July 19, 2008.

“”We had another violent night in the Trinidad neighborhood. Over the course of last night, we had a group of brazen individuals that once again entered the Trinidad neighborhood in a vehicle and repeatedly approached groups of people on the street, robbing and shooting them,” said Chief Lanier.

Detectives assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide and Sexual Offenses Branch are investigating, and are on the look out for a 2002 gold Dodge Intrepid bearing Maryland paper temporary tags. The car was last seen in the Trinidad area, and is believed to have been used in the multiple violent crimes in the Trinidad area:

At approximately 1:07 am, in the 1200 block of 16th Street, NE, an adult male and a 13-year-old male were victims of a shooting. The adult male was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the body and the 13-year-old male was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the leg. Both complainants were admitted to an area local hospital.

At approximately 1:50 am, at the intersection of Trinidad Avenue and Mount Olivet Road, NE, an adult male was suffering from an apparent stab wound to the neck. He was taken to an area local hospital and admitted in critical condition.
At approximately 2:25 am, in the 1400 block of Staples Street, NE, an adult male was suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was taken to an area local hospital and admitted in critical condition.

At approximately 2:27 am, in the 1100 block of Holbrook Street, NE, an adult male was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the leg. He was taken to an area local hospital for treatment.

At approximately 2:30 am, in the 1500 block of Holbrook Street, NE, 13-year-old Alonzo Robinson, of an unknown address, was the victim of homicide. He was transported to an area local hospital and pronounced dead. Two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were admitted to an area local hospital.
The NSZ will be in effect from 7 pm tonight until 7 pm on July 24, 2008. Checkpoints will be placed at the intersection of Mt. Olivet Road, NE and Bladensburg Road, NE southbound, to the intersection of Florida Avenue, NE, proceeding westward on Florida Avenue, NE to the intersection of Trinidad Avenue, NE and then north on Trinidad Avenue, NE to the intersection of Mt. Olivet Road, NE, then east to Bladensburg Road, NE.

The primary purpose of the NSZ program, with its checkpoints, its brochure, its signage, and its attendant publicity is to discourage persons inclined toward committing acts of violence by using a motor vehicle to enter the Trinidad neighborhood. The goal is to “fence them out.”

Anyone who has information regarding the cases is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM [E]. Anonymous information can also be sent to the department’s text tip line by text messaging 50-411.

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide.

Oasis Liquors Meeting

Oasis Liquors: Please join your neighbors at a meeting on Tuesday, July 22 at 7pm at Two Rivers Public Charter School (1227 4th St NE). Come and share your thoughts on the reopening of this liquor store and help shape the community's next steps. The owners have been invited to attend to share their plans and hear your concerns.

Special Community Meeting

Special Community Meeting hosted by Commissioner M. Tony Richardson



Who: All 6C05 residents, business owners, and community stakeholders

What: Special Community Meeting

When: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 at 7pm

Where: Senate Square, 3rd Floor Lobby
Senate Square 201 I st ne 20002

Why: To discuss pressing neighborhood issues, challenges, and solutions

PSA 102 Public Safety Meeting August 2008

PSA 102 Boundaries

17 July, 2008

Firearm Registration in the District of Columbia

Firearm Registration in the District of Columbia

On July 14, 2008, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, joined by members of the Council of the District of Columbia, Acting Attorney General Peter J. Nickles and Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, unveiled legislation and regulations on the registration and storage of handguns for self-defense in the home. The bill and rulemaking are necessary because of the United States Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller, which invalidated the District’s 32-year ban on handgun ownership.

Separately, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) issued emergency rulemaking on firearms registration and the licensing of firearms dealers, to bring the District into compliance with the Heller ruling.

* Notice of Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking (Firearms Regulations)**
* Firearms Control Emergency Amendment Act*


Amnesty
Residents registering firearms during this 180-day period are granted amnesty from any gun possession charges that might apply. Amnesty for un-registered firearms begins on July 17, 2008 and will last 180 days. Residents will ONLY be permitted to transport the firearm from one’s residence to MPD Headquarters and back home again during the Firearms Registration Unit’s hours of operation.

Firearms Registration Unit Hours

* July 17-18, 2008
7 am – 3 pm
* Starting July 21, 2008
Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm

Location
Registration will take place at MPD Headquarters only. You may not register a firearm at any other MPD facility.

Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters (Main Entrance)
300 Indiana Avenue, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20001
Nearest Metro Stop: Judiciary Square (4th Street Exit)

What Should You Bring?

* Your UNLOADED firearm (do not bring any ammunition)
* Payment for registration and ballistics testing

Cost
The cost to register any firearm is $13 per weapon. Fingerprint processing and ballistics testing — also required — cost $35 and $12 respectively. The registration process may take up to 14 days.

Who May Register a Firearm?
Only District of Columbia residents with proof of residency may register an approved firearm with the MPD.

Ballistics Testing
A ballistics test will be conducted on every firearm registered in the District of Columbia. Owners should bring their firearms, but NO AMMNUITION. Ammunition for ballistics testing will be provided by the MPD.

Frequently Asked Questions about Registering a Firearm


1. What types of firearms can I register
2. What types of things would cause me to be disqualified from being able to register a firearm?
3. What are the costs and how long does it take to apply to register a firearm?
4. Do I have to be fingerprinted?
5. What caliber weapon can I register?
6. Can I carry my firearm outside my home?

What types of firearms can I register?
Shotguns, rifles, and revolvers. However, a shotgun barrel cannot be less than 20 inches in length, and a rifle barrel cannot be less than 16 inches in length and must have a total overall length of 26 inches or more. No weapon can shoot more than one shot by a single function of the trigger, or semi-automatically shoot more than 12 shots without manual reloading or be readily converted or restored to do so.

What types of things would cause me to be disqualified from being able to register a firearm?
To qualify for registration of a firearm in the District of Columbia, you must meet all of the following criteria. You:

1. Must not stand convicted of a crime of violence, or have any prior weapons offenses.
2. Must not be under indictment for a crime of violence or weapons offense.
3. Must not stand convicted within the past five years for a narcotics or dangerous drug offense, threats to do bodily harm or for assault.
4. Must not have been acquitted of any criminal charge by reason of insanity or adjudicated as a chronic alcoholic by any court within the past five years.
5. Must not have been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to any mental hospital or institution within the past five years.
6. Must not suffer from a physical defect which would make it unsafe for you to possess and use a firearm safely and responsibly.
7. Must not be found negligent in any firearm mishap causing death or injury to another human being.
8. Must not be convicted of any felony, or prostitution-related offense

What are the costs and how long does it take to apply to register a firearm?
The cost to register any firearm is $13 per weapon. Fingerprint processing and ballistics testing — also required — cost $35 and $12 respectively. The registration process may take up to 14 days.

Do I have to be fingerprinted?

Yes.

What caliber weapon can I register?

Any caliber of weapon may be registered.

Can I carry my firearm outside my home?
No.

15 July, 2008

Parker Street Fix-It is a Resounding Success!

Today's Parker Street Fix-It at 2nd and K Streets and the Alleys to the north and south of Parker received a great deal of attention from city agencies that are charged with public health and safety. Neighbors cared enough not only to get involved but took time from their jobs to walk with city officials and point out what they wanted to be different.

This is another step in the right direction to make the problems of Parker and K Street go away and not return.

The pictures below show the Fix It and those who came to assist.












PSA 102 Meeting Minutes - July 8 2008

PSA 102 Meeting Minutes - July 8 2008


Robert Pittman Co-Coordinator of PSA 102 opened the meeting at 7:10pm. Pittman Introduced:

• Brandon Bies Co-Coordinator of PSA 102
• Lieutenant Kimberlee Williams PSA 102 Commander
• Officers Carver and Pitt

More than 40 residents joined the meeting already in progress which included ANC Chairmen from 6A and 6C and ANC Commissioner Tony Richardson (6C). Joining the committee were Caroline Jhingory of the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Michael Bonds of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and Carolyn Smith 1st District Community Relations Liaison for the Metropolitan Police Department. Also an additional six police officers were in attendance along with Linda Taylor Ward Six Manager for the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Lieutenant Williams began with a report of the crime statistics in PSA 102 for the last 30 day period.
• 12 Robberies
• 13 ADW (Assault w Dangerous Weapon (12 non-pistol)
• 9 Burglaries
• Union Station Robbery (Arrest made)
• Burglary Today (Arrest made)
• 400 H Street Recording Studio being used as a Club and hangout for juveniles. Owner/manager asked to attend this meeting (No-Show)
• Victim of Pepper Spray Incident is okay was defending his property (car)
• Juveniles are not from this area. 8th and H Streets is a major transfer point across the entire city with many juveniles and others transferring to the 90 bus or X Lines to far northeast or far southeast.
• Juveniles who are committing crimes are getting back on buses and getting away.
• Studio 400 does not have a business license to conduct entertainment venue related activities and it’s still unclear as to what and why they were granted a “One Day” ABC license. Internal investigation is underway with DCRA and ABRA to determine the status of the business.
• The success rates of PSA 102 Officers in apprehending suspects in robbery, burglary and assaults are high.

Problems presented by PSA 102 residents:

• Issue #1: Residents say they need more help with male transgender prostitution, drug dealing/use, alley overgrowth, and a feeling of unsafe environment.
• Response: MPD will create a prostitution free zone and anyone who enters that zone for the purposes of soliciting will be arrested. Both Bies and Pittman have discussed prostitution diversion and drug addiction programs included in any sentence that a judge may give to offenders. Bies and Pittman do not want arrests to occur simply to have people released and back on the streets to continue the same behaviors. Suggestion, have residents start a petition now to require or aid Judges in sentencing and diversion programs for drug addiction and help with other behaviors inconsistent with community norms.
• Issue #2: Studio 400 and underage kids has become a problem affecting the residents in the immediate area of 4th and H Streets NE. It’s a studio per its license so why would it apply for ABC licenses (One Day) and why would the intent seem to be to have kids attend weekly Go-Go’s?
• Response: Investigations have begun into the license and the issuance of a One Day ABC License. Studio 400 has been shut down as a result of its actions and failure to explain its practices to the Community.
• Issue#3 Assaults on Neighbors particularly white males by teenagers (some on bikes) between Union Station and 14th Street, N.E. south of H Street. These attacks are occurring in the evening, night and late night.
• Response: Police response is heighten patrols. Community Walks will begin in the area along with some other measures to regain control of our neighborhood and ensure the safety of our residents
• Issue #4: Residents raised concerns again that parking on G, 12th, 13th , Wylie and Eye Streets, Linden Place and Linden Court, N.E. is preventing them from being able to park when they come home because of the lack of city planning to ensure that the Bars on H Street had adequate parking.
• Response: Police and Parking enforcement is once again asked to step up enforcement in the area around these Streets and discourage double parking in front of the Atlas and other ABC establishments on H Street. Some Block members are petitioning DDOT for Residential Parking Permitted streets through to 12AM of each day with enforcement at night.
• Issue #5: Some residents raised questions about how to protect themselves.
• Response: Pittman reminded residents that speaking and knowing your neighbors will save you. Teenagers and other who are from the neighborhood act as a deterrent to teenagers who come from other areas looking to cause trouble. The police also reminded residents that talking on the cell phones or listening to other devices like mp3 players are a distraction and place you at increased risk of attack because you appear to others as a potential victim. Carolyn Smith, MPD1D Community Coordinator reminded residents that we are a community and that we all have a role in public safety.

Legislative or Procedural Changes Needed This Period

• Getting arrested is a revolving door. Juveniles who commit felony offenses should be held as adults with the option by the D.C. Attorney General and the US Attorney for the District of Columbia to charge juveniles who are repeat offenders as adults and incarcerate them as such.
• Consider repeat offender prostitutes a crime of a magnitude that destroys neighborhoods and creates excessive costs to correct; therefore offenders should face felony prosecution.

Many other comments ensued and wrapped up with Pittman and Bies reminding attended that National Night Out is Tuesday August 5, 2008 from 5-9pm. A community Walk will begin at 6PM at Senate Square and at the Argonaut. Both groups will meet at 10th Street and come to Sherwood Recreation Center to join the festivities celebrating fighting and deterring crime and public disorder. The meeting concluded at 8:30pm


Next Meeting Tuesday August 12, 2008 7PM

13 July, 2008

MPD Shuts Down Studio 400

The Metropolitan Police Department acting on complaints from the community has shut down Studio 400. More information will be posted when it comes available.

12 July, 2008

Mayor Fenty Schedules an Attack of Vacant Property, Prostitution, Drugs and Trashed Alleys at 2nd and K Streets

Ward 6 Core Team Fix-it
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
at 10am
Meeting at the Corner of 2nd and K Street NE

Neighbors Invited

We are visiting this area to resolve some of the public health and safety concerns that are a result of the alleged prostitution throughout the area. We visited the area yesterday, 07/10/2008 and walked throughout 2nd and 3rd and K and Parker Street NE with neighbors to survey healthy/safety concerns and take photographs, which are attached. Caroline is requesting a multi-agency response for the following:

Department of Health (DOH) – due to the excessive amount of used condoms, stagnant water, and fecal matter found throughout the alley We are requesting a survey the area for potential health concerns. Abatement for rodents and spraying for mosquito larva.

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) – Evidence of illegal activity occurring behind 209 K Street NE, a vacant property, owner has failed to maintain, front side-window of property is broken out and according to next door neighbor prostitutes and “customers” enter through this window. Property owner(s) be fined cited for additional violations.

Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Urban Forestry Division – Survey of area for potential increase in street lighting and trimming of trees which according to residents shade illegal activity. Also, there were several large and deep potholes throughout the alley holding stagnant water with mosquitoes flying around it.

Department of Public Works (DPW) - Area be surveyed for abandoned/unregistered vehicles. SWEEP clean public space areas and alleys of debris, condoms, clothing, and liquor bottles. Property owners be fined/cited for additional violations.

Department of Human Services (DHS) – Even though we will be visiting during the day, I have run into these alleged “prostitutes,” during the day and we would like to have someone on board that could offer them some of the city’s social services. DC Fire Department (DCFD) – To view area for issues surrounding fire safety hazardous conditions.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) – Lt. Williams and a few of her officers to join us to assure safety and provide perspective on issues in this community in addition to provide information on what MPD is doing to secure the area.

10 July, 2008

Prostitution Overwhelms Parker Street Residents

Caroline Jhingory the new Ward 6 Community Services Coordinator tackles male transsexual prostitution which has Parker Street and K Street residents fearing for their quality of Life. After residents complained about this problem at a recent PSA 102 Meeting, PSA Co-Coordinator Robert Pittman joined with Caroline Jhingory to get a first hand look with neighbors of 3rd, Parker and K Streets.

Parker Residents with Caroline

Residents say this area at 2nd and K Streets shields many transsexual prostitutes from detection. The pictures below show the area of around this block including the alleys between K and Parker and Parker and Eye Streets where overgrowth of vegetation in yads alleys, vacant properties some used for prostitution and drugs, crack bags and trees needing to be trimmed exist. PSA 102 Coordinators Robert Pittman and Brandon Bies are committed to working with the residents, ANC Commissioners and city agencies to clean up this drug infested area and ridding it of the prostitutes.



























09 July, 2008

Changing of The Guard


Brandon Bies PSA 102 Co-Coordinator welcomes Lieutenant Kimberlee Williams to the command of Patrol Service Area 102 in the 1st Police District of the Metropolitan Police Department while Robert Pittman PSA 102 Co-Coordinator and Lieutenant Barbara Hawkins outgoing PSA Commander look on.



Brandon and Robert present Lieutenant Barbara Williams with a certificate of distinguished service for her work and dedication to the residents, businesses and police officers of PSA 102.

Roger Mattoli of PSA 102 and the first PSA Coordinator when we were PSA 510 and then PSA 102 gives crime statistics and trends monthly at PSA public safety meetings.



Metro Police Commander for Metro Transit Police discusses with Lieutenant Hawkins strategies for dealing with the X2 and 90 bus lines along H and 8th Streets, N.E. and Benning Road N.E.


Lieutenant Hawkins gives final thoughts on her work as PSA Commander.

PSA 102 Coordinators walk with PSA Officers in the Community










PSA 102 Coordinators and Police are concerned with the blight along 4th Street, H Street and 6th Street. We have identified many problems and requested cleanups in many of the alleys and streets.

A PSA 102 Look at Studio 400





What is Studio 400? Located at H and 4th Streets complaints continue to mount on exactly what type of business is there. At least "1 Day Liquor License" has been approved. Examples of the events at this establishment are listed above. We will continue to work with ANC 6C, DCRA and ABRA to determine the activites of this establishment. Lt. Williams invited the operators of the establishment to the July PSA 102 meeting where PSA Coordinators, ANC Commissioners from 6C and 6A, Police, Mayor's representatives and many members of the community would be present. No one came. It begs the question, do they really want to work with the community?