27 May, 2010

Traffic Safety Improvements at Intersection of New York Avenue and Florida Avenue

DDOT Media List DDOT Media List For Immediate Release Tuesday, May 25, 2010 Media Contact: John Lisle (DDOT) at (202) 671-2004
From: John Lisle
To: DDOT Media
***TRAFFIC ADVISORY***

Traffic Safety Improvements at Intersection of New York Avenue and Florida Avenue, NE Drivers Will See New Traffic Patterns Starting June 4

(Washington, D.C.) As previously announced, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is making major safety improvements at one of the busiest intersections in Northeast Washington, where New York Avenue, Florida Avenue, First Street and Eckington Place meet. Now, as the next phase of construction is about to begin, DDOT will be switching the traffic patterns at the intersection. The changes are scheduled to be implemented at 9 pm on Friday, June 4, 2010, weather permitting.

After the changes are made, traffic will flow in a circular pattern around the intersection (see diagram below). Drivers and cyclists will need to pay close attention to the posted signs and lane markings.


With the new traffic patterns:
First Street will become one way southbound from Florida Avenue to New York Avenue. Florida Avenue will be limited to one way traffic westbound between New York Avenue and First Street. Eastbound Florida Avenue traffic will be detoured to First Street. From there, drivers can go left on New York Avenue to return to Florida Avenue, or they can use the following detour from southbound First Street: left on M Street, left on Third Street right on Florida

DDOT/HSEMA http://ddot.dc.gov http://www.hsema.dc.gov

Daytime Closing of the H Street NE

Two-Day Daytime Closing of the H Street NE North Intersection
At 11th Street Scheduled Wednesday & Thursday, May 26-27
Similar Closing at the 12th Street Intersection
Planned For Thursday & Friday, June 3 & 4
The north side of the 11th Street intersection with H Street NE is scheduled to be closed to through traffic from 9:00 am to approximately 3:30 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, May 26 and 27, to facilitate construction of the streetcar tracks across the intersection on H Street.
For the same purpose, the north side of the 12th Street intersection with H Street NE will be closed to through traffic from 9:00 am to approximately 3:30 pm on Thursday and Friday, June 3 and 4.
Should rain prevent work on any of these days, the work will be done on the next work day.
In both cases, the District Department of Transportation encourages northbound and southbound motorists seeking to cross H Street to use 8th, 9th, 10th, or 13th Streets as alternatives. During the periods each intersection is closed, residents and visitors to addresses in the 800 blocks of 11th and 12th Street will be able to enter and exit that block from I Street to the north.
Before and during the intersection closures, signs directing traffic will be in place and flaggers will be on the site to assist motorists and pedestrians.
The intersection closures will not affect any Metrobus routes.
The work is part of DDOT’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.

21 May, 2010

SUMMER YOUTH APPLY TO JR. POLICE ACADEMY

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYEES INVITED TO APPLY TO JR. POLICE ACADEMY

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Jr. Police Academy is an eight-week summer program for students (ages 14-18) who are curious about the law, politics and government or interested in law enforcement. It provides young people with the opportunity to gain an insider’s perspective by learning about the criminal justice system and the internal operations of the Metropolitan Police Department. This is a chance for students to
compare CSI and Law & Order to MPD and the District of Columbia Government.
During the eight-week program, students will meet for morning or afternoon roll call each day at Police Headquarters. From there they will explore the policing career by visiting the MPD Police Academy for learning and observing. They’ll meet various members of the Department, tour the Office of Unified Communications (9-1-1 Center)and learn how calls are routed, see the Forensic Science Services Division at MPD, and visit the courthouse and interact with local judges. Jr. Police Academy participants will also learn about the MPD’s Harbor Patrol, Canine Unit, and the Joint Operations Command Center. The youth will also have an opportunity to participate in simulated driving and shooting scenarios for officers and they’ll participate in outreach events, like National Night Out and “All Hands on Deck.”

The 2010 Jr. Police Academy will run June 28 - August 17. This program is a joint effort between MPD and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Students must be registered with the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program to participate. All applications must be submitted before June 1, 2010.

MPD RESERVE CORPS NEW PUBLICATION

MPD RESERVE CORPS ISSUES NEW PUBLICATION TO
HIGHLIGHT MEMBER ACTIVITIES, CONTRIBUTIONS

The Metropolitan Police Reserve Corps is a volunteer program providing qualified civic-minded individuals with the opportunity to assist the MPD in carrying out its policing responsibilities. Reserve Officers are assigned to various units of the Department, and work in a variety of law enforcement activities. Reserve Officers serve the Department in
many ways, depending on experience, qualifications and interests. Some Reserve Officers may work indoors in a patrol district. Others will work side by side with patrol officers performing front-line law enforcement activities.

In May 2010, the MPD Reserve Corps published The Lookout to acknowledge the
achievements of its members, publicize their many contributions to the Department and the city, and provide members with information on upcoming activities. The premier issue of The Lookout highlights some of the Reserve Corps members’ assignments, including street festivals, focused initiatives, weapons requalification, and traffic details. Each issue
of The Lookout will also profile a Reserve Officer so readers can learn a little more about the dedicated volunteer members who give so much of their time and effort to the MPD.

19 May, 2010

Robbery On H Street at 13th

Police Alert-Robbery Gun

Robbery Gun_0034 hours_1300 H St NE_3 B/M's nothing further DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20100259187

Sent on: 05/19 00:41

Police Alert-Robbery Gun

Robbery Gun_0110 hours_200 Massachusetts Ave NE_2 B/M's wearing all black clothing with mask #I20100259224 Sent on: 05/19 01:21

Police Alert-

robbery gun_2319 hours_600 21st street, ne _L/O for 4 B/M's S-1 wearing a red northface jacket S-2 black hoodie with jamaica written on it DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #259094

Sent on: 05/18 23:31

17 May, 2010

Robbery

Police Alert-Robbery

Robbery at 6th and H St. NW. 1718 hours. Lookout for a B/M, blue jeans, black cap, gray shoes with a brown and blue jacket. DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT

16 May, 2010

MPD OFFERS INFORMATION ON UNDERSTANDING AND AVOIDING GANGS

MPD OFFERS INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND YOUTH ON
UNDERSTANDING AND AVOIDING GANGS
Joining a gang or crew can give you a sense of belonging and acceptance, but often being associated with one can lead to dangerous consequences. The MPD has developed a brochure that offers some ways to explore alternatives to gang membership and how to safely “leave” a gang if you’re already involved. Some of these steps take time, but with dedication and the support of your family, you can change your life.

A gang is a group of individuals that band together for a common cause and are involved in criminal activity. Many gangs are highly organized and operate across state lines. A crew is a more loosely-knit group, often based on a neighborhood. These are usually individuals who grew up in or who have family roots in that neighborhood.

Regardless of gang or crew affiliation, both groups are often associated with a variety of crimes, including narcotics trafficking, gun violations, assaults, and even homicides. Female gangs or crews are growing in DC as well. Gang violence is a community problem. The MPD’s webpage on gangs helps explain who joins these groups and why and provides signs of possible gang involvement. It also offers suggestions for what parents
can do to protect their children and how young people can avoid getting involved.

http://mpdc.dc.gov/gangs

Homicide Closure in the Unit Block of L Street, NW

Homicide Closure in Connection with Shooting in the Unit Block of L Street, NW
Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Detectives announced that an arrest was made in the fatal shooting of a man that occurred in the unit block of L Street, NW.

On Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at approximately 10:30 pm, First District officers responded to a call for the sounds of gunshots in the area of First and L Streets NW. Officers located 39-year-old Antonio Hampton, of an unknown address, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Mr. Hampton was transported to a local hospital, and on May 13, 2010 he succumbed to his injury and was pronounced dead.

A short time after the shooting, First District officers stopped a suspect and through subsequent investigation, the suspect was identified as 24-year-old Dwannell F. Bunting of Hyattsville, Maryland. Mr. Bunting will be charged with murder in connection with this case.

This case exemplifies quick and efficient police work. Chief Lanier commented that she was “pleased with the heroic actions of the Officers who were patrolling in the area, and were able to quickly capture the suspect and bring this case to an immediate closure.”

11 May, 2010

Honoring our Nation’s Law Enforcement

Honoring our Nation’s Law Enforcement
May 11th, 2010 Posted by Tracy Russo

Each year, between 140 and 160 public safety officers are killed in the line of duty. To honor the fallen and recognize the commitment of all public safety officers, President Obama declared May 15 as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week of the 15th as National Police Week.

This week pays special tribute to law enforcement officers, their families, and colleagues who have sacrificed for the safety and protection of others. President Obama appropriately states:

As a Nation, we rely on law enforcement officers to keep our neighborhoods safe, enforce our laws, and respond in times of crisis. These men and women sustain peace and order across America, and we look to them as models of courage and integrity.

This week is also a fitting time to recognize the vigilance of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Due to their dedication and watchfulness, we have been successful in identifying a number of emerging plots and stopping would-be attackers before they strike. Just last week, a Pakistani-born U.S. citizen was charged with terrorism and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in New York City’s Times Square. Since the plot was uncovered, state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies have worked together tirelessly to find out who was responsible for what could have been a deadly attack.

The selflessness of our men and women in uniform reminds us of what John F. Kennedy, who established Police Week in 1962, once said, “For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived.”

Information on Police week activities is available at policeweek.org. For information on how the Department of Justice supports state and local law enforcement visit: The Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs or The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services

One-Way North For About Two Weeks

800 Block of 5th Street (From H Street To I Street)
To Be Restricted To One-Way North For About Two Weeks
Effective at 7:00 am, Wednesday, May 12, weather permitting, jersey barriers currently in place in the 500 block of H Street NE will be extended into the middle of the 5th and H intersection, and no-left-turn restrictions will apply to traffic in the intersection of 5th Street and H Street.
The restrictions – expected to be in place for about two weeks – are necessary to accommodate the completion of construction work in the south center lane of the 500 block.
Here’s how the restrictions will affect motorists:
Ø If you are driving north on 5th Street to H Street, you will be able to turn right (east) on H, but you will be prohibited from turning left (west) on H or traveling across the intersection.
Ø If you are driving west on H Street, you may proceed straight across the 5th Street intersection or you may turn right on 5th Street. But you will not be able to turn left on 5th Street.
Ø If you are driving east on H Street, you may proceed straight across the 5th Street intersection or you may turn right (south) on 5th Street. But you will not be able to turn left (north) on 5th Street.
Ø If you are driving south on 5th Street, you will find signs at I Street, providing notice that south-bound traffic is temporarily prohibited on 5th Street from I Street to H Street.
Southbound motorists are advised to use 4th Street as an alternative. Northbound motorists who need to cross H Street from the south are advised to use 6th Street as an alternatives.
The work is part of DDOT’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
Thank you for your patience. If you would like additional information or assistance, please call on us at any time.
Margaret Gentry

MPD Announces All Hands on Deck Successes

During AHOD, all available sworn MPD personnel will be on patrol throughout the District emphasizing community policing, focused law enforcement and community outreach. This will include increased foot beats, homicide detectives following up on cases, and recruits passing out specific crime related information.

During the eight All Hands on Decks in 2009, MPD made a total of 3,505 arrests and seized more than $315,000 in drugs.

“District Police have made tremendous progress in reducing crime and closing investigations,” said Mayor Fenty. “We are here today because we have more hard work ahead of us. However, every district resident can feel confident and be proud that we now have the lowest number of homicides in four decades and our officers have a homicide closure rate that greatly exceeds the national average.”

The Metropolitan Police Department’s current homicide closure rate is 76 percent. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier today announced arrests in two unrelated homicides. Both arrests occurred on Monday, May 3, 2010.

“We are pleased to announce the closure in these two homicides and we want to continue to send a message to criminals that violence in our communities will not be tolerated,” said Chief Lanier. “ You will no longer get away with murder in DC.”

At 9:20 am on Monday, 18-year-old Curtis Faison of Southeast, DC was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant in connection with the April 10, 2010 shooting death of 27-year-old Melvin White, who was found fatally shot in the 600 block of 46th Place, SE. Mr. Faison was arrested by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.

At approximately, 10:30 am on Monday, May 3, 2010 members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested a 16-year-old male juvenile pursuant to an arrest warrant charging him with Second Degree Murder While Armed in connection with the March 16, 2010 death of 33-year-old Marcus Herrion, who was found fatally shot in the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE. The identity of the suspect in this case is being withheld because of his age.

The Metropolitan Police Department offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any unsolved homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

The MPD is reminding residents, or anyone else who may know of a robbery that occurred in the District, that the MPD offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for any armed robbery or a robbery that results in serious bodily injury.

Anyone who has information about a crime may call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM[E] (1-888-919-2746). Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

exploding manholes

Repair work to exploding manholes will cause congestion in vicinity of 9th & L Sts NW. L St NW closed from 9th to 10th Streets. Avoid area during rush hour today.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TRAFFIC ADVISORY***

Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project Update

Highlights:

Phase 1 of construction starts May 15
New Traffic patterns and lane closures
Drivers can expect additional 15 minute delays

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is making progress on the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project, a $30 million construction project east of the Anacostia River that is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvest­ment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

The project is on schedule and on budget. DDOT is wrapping up preliminary work and will start Phase 1 of the construction between 27th Street and Branch Avenue, SE on or about May 15, 2010. The work will include the reconstruction of the roadway and sidewalks on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, which will require lane closures and a shift in the traffic patterns. Residents and motorists should be aware of the following important changes:

The far-right eastbound lane and sidewalk will be closed and marked off with barriers, although residents and business owners will still be able to access their driveways.

DDOT will maintain three open travel lanes at all times. A reversible lane will ensure there are two lanes for peak traffic during rush hours, and one lane for traffic in the opposite direction.

Temporary, overhead lane-signals will be placed along the corridor to indicate the correct inbound and outbound lanes for motorists.

Motorists are encouraged to look for the overhead signals of green ‘arrows’ and red ‘Xs’ as you travel along the roadway. This will aid in knowing what lanes are open in the direction you are traveling on the corridor.

DDOT advises drivers to add 15 minutes to their commutes to cover the additional delays that are anticipated during the project. If possible, motorists are encouraged to use mass transit or alternate routes.

The Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets project covers 2 miles of construction, from 200 ft. west of 27th Street to Southern Avenue. It will dramatically improve the physical character of the corridor and enhance transportation operations and safety for all users. The construction is scheduled to be completed in several phases over the next two (2) years.

To obtain more information about this project, you can visit our field office at 2410 Minnesota Avenue, SE. go online at www.greatstreetspennave.com or Contact DDOT’s Project Engineer Luan Tran at 202-671-4649.

Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks California Cities Gang Prevention

Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks at the California Cities Gang Prevention Network
Sacramento, Calif. ~ Monday, May 10, 2010Thank you, Jack [Calhoun]. I appreciate your kind words, and I’m grateful for your outstanding leadership. Your commitment to the success of this network – and to our nation’s young people – is clear. Not only have you delayed your retirement; you’ve also agreed to a demanding travel schedule that takes you across the country, and all around this state, every month. Your work is making a difference here in California. And your guidance is helping today’s Justice Department meet its obligations to combat crime, to protect the safety of our communities, and to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to improve their lives and fulfill their potential.

I’m here today to discuss the work, and the responsibilities, that we share. Responsibilities to ourselves, to each other, to our communities, and to the alarming number of children and young people who have been victims of, perpetrators of, and witnesses to gang violence.

This conversation is critical. I want to thank Mayor Johnson for hosting us. And let me thank each of you for your participation and engagement. In the cities you lead, and in the communities you serve, the next chapter of our nation’s history will be written. Our future progress depends on our current priorities. It depends on today’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Americans. And it depends on our ability to confront our nation’s most overwhelming and intractable challenges, including the prevalence and consequences of gang activity and the devastating impact of childhood exposure to violence.

Every person here understands what we’re up against. Whether you work to shape policy, to create support programs, or to advance policing efforts, your dedication is inspiring. And I’m grateful that this network brings together such diverse partners. You’ve proven that, to succeed in protecting the safety and potential of our children, we need a variety of perspectives; we need to test multiple strategies; and, above all, we need a comprehensive, collaborative approach.

By working in partnership, you’ve helped to create peace in some of California’s most dangerous and divided neighborhoods. You’ve helped enemies find common ground. You’ve helped to raise spirits, and prospects, in our most vulnerable communities. And you’ve lifted up countless young people who were heading down dark, dangerous paths. Quite simply, you have worked miracles.

The mayors, police chiefs, law enforcement officers, service providers, researchers, educators, and donors in this room are innovators in the administration of justice. And I’m grateful to count each of you as partners. You have provided the Justice Department with valuable insights from the front lines. You’ve told us what works, what doesn’t, and what we must do to enhance public safety. And, as you’ve created new programs and field-tested new strategies, you’ve shown that, despite budget and infrastructure challenges, solutions are possible.

In just three years, this network has made meaningful, measurable progress in addressing gang activity and community violence. Each city in this network has developed and implemented a comprehensive strategy. And many have seen crime rates fall. Yes, we should celebrate these achievements. But we must also face facts.

Today, far too many of our children are in need and in pain. Too many kids have given up on themselves and given in to a life of crime. Too many communities are ravaged by gang violence. Too many families have been destroyed. Too many lives have been lost. Children like 11-year-old Mynesha Crenshaw, who was killed by gang-fueled gunfire in San Bernardino last year, in her own home, as she and her sister were making dinner. Children like 6-year-old Azahel Cruz, from Monterey, who was also killed at home by a stray bullet. Children like Josue Lopez-Gil, who – just one year out of elementary school – was murdered by a 13-year-old classmate affiliated with a street gang in Oakland.

Each one of these children died for the same, senseless reason. They were, as Monterey’s Deputy Police Chief Kelly McMillin put it, “unlucky to be caught between two groups of young men who simply don’t like each other…who, if challenged on the point, would doubtless be unable to describe the source or reason for their hatred.”

So how do we honor these victims? How do we hold their killers accountable? And how do we prevent future tragedy?

These questions can’t be answered easily or quickly. But we can – and we must – begin to answer them by coming together, by sharing what we’ve learned, and by being clear about what’s working and where we need to improve.

For me, combating gang violence, and helping children who’ve been exposed to such violence, has been both a personal and professional concern for decades. As a prosecutor, as a judge, as a U.S. Attorney, and as the Deputy Attorney General, addressing the causes and remedying consequences of violence was at the forefront of my work. Today, as Attorney General and as a parent, it remains a top priority.

It is also a top priority for this administration. In fact, in the President’s Budget for fiscal year 2011, $12 million in new funding has been requested specifically for gang and youth violence prevention efforts and programs. But, as important as these investments are, addressing the challenges before us requires more than simply moving money out the door.

Of course, we must continue to strengthen our law enforcement capacities and capabilities. And we must build on the work that law enforcement officials, in partnership with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Justice Department prosecutors, have done to take violent offenders off our streets. But law enforcement can’t do it alone. As Jack often says, “we can’t arrest our way out of this problem.” Achieving the progress we need to make demands that our enforcement efforts are complemented by strong prevention, education, and intervention initiatives.

Putting gangs out of business and providing young people with opportunities to improve their lives will take time. It will also take unprecedented, community-wide cooperation. We need to find ways to help young people resist the allure of gangs through programs like Ceasefire, Peacekeepers, and Youth Corps. And we need more of the city-wide task forces that have been so successful in San Jose, Santa Rosa, and other cities.

We also need more programs like “Summer Night Lights,” which Mayor Villaraigosa established in Los Angeles. Last year, I had the chance to see this initiative in action. They’re literally turning the lights on in the parks where crimes often occur and offering recreational, educational, and artistic activities. This approach is having a positive effect, and it’s an example of the innovative approaches we must adopt.

We also must develop more evidence-based strategies for combating crime and use data to target our policing efforts in “hot spots” of criminal activity. We also need to engage more “non-traditional” crime fighters – more public health officials, parents, and teachers; more non-profit and faith-based groups; and more young people. Finally, we need to focus greater attention on early childhood experiences – and, specifically, on the impact of childhood exposure to violence.

Last fall, the Justice Department released findings from our National Survey on Children Exposed to Violence, the first comprehensive look at children as victims and witnesses of crime, abuse, and violence from infancy to age 17. The survey concluded that most children are exposed to violence in their daily lives. It was a wake-up call for the Department – and, I know, for many of you.

The study found, for example, that the majority of our kids – more than 60 percent – have been exposed to crime, abuse, and violence. Two in five children have experienced direct violence more than once over the course of a year, and nearly three in ten were assaulted at least once in that period. Ten percent of children have suffered some form of abuse or neglect, and one in sixteen has been victimized sexually. In measuring indirect exposure, the study found that one in four children have witnessed a violent act, with many seeing one family member assault another.

This problem affects each one of us. And effectively addressing it must become our shared concern and cause.

But the good news is that, today, there is good cause for optimism. Research has shown that early intervention is effective in countering the effects of violence. Quality programs have shown clear benefits in enhancing resiliency and fostering healthy child development – benefits that extend to children who’ve suffered frequent exposure to violence. In other words, it’s within our power – within your power – to help the kids who need us most.

At the Department of Justice, we have made an historic commitment to this work. I’m proud that, for the first time, the Department is directing resources for the express purpose of reducing childhood exposure to violence and raising awareness of its ramifications, advancing scientific inquiry on its causes and characteristics, and, of course, countering its negative impact.

Last month, we announced that $5 million in grants would be awarded under the children’s exposure to violence initiative by this fall. And the Administration’s budget request for the next fiscal year includes an additional $37 million to help us provide critical resources, research, and services for communities nationwide.

While I’m encouraged by these new investments, and by our collective work in combating gangs and reducing childhood exposure to violence, I can’t pretend that addressing the challenges before us will be easy.

My predecessor, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, once said that, “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.”

Today, as I look around this room, I can’t help but be keenly aware that each one of you has sent forth many, many ripples of hope. By your actions, you have demonstrated your commitment to solving a problem that, simply put, will determine the future of course of our country. Together, I believe we can write a bold new chapter in our American story. And I believe that we can transform our nation for the better – one city, one community, and one child at a time.

Thank you.

Police Alert

Police Alert-Robbery (Gun)

Robbery (Gun) 2309 hours 9th & K St NE LOF: (3) B/M, 16-21 yoa, wearing all black armed with a handgun L/S 1100 block of West Virginia Ave NE DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT

10 May, 2010

Final Paving Of The North Side of the H Street NE Intersections

Final Paving Of The North Side of the H Street NE Intersections

At 8th, 9th, 10th Streets Scheduled Monday, May 10

Daytime Traffic Restrictions Apply To 8th, 9th, & 10th

Between H Street & I Street During Paving Operations

On Monday, May 10, construction contractors are scheduled to carry out final roadway paving of the H Street NE north side intersections at 8th, 9th, and 10th Streets. The work will be conducted between 7:00 am until completion by 5:00 pm.

During the paving period, traffic in the 800 blocks of 8th and 9th Streets between H Street and I Street will be restricted to one-way south. (On that block of 10th Street, one-way south is the standard traffic pattern.) Flaggers will be stationed at the site to assist motorists and pedestrians. Local traffic to 800-block locations will continue to have access.

Northbound motorists are advised to use 6th, 7th, or 11th Street as an alternative.

The intersections will be paved one by one. The plan is to start at 10th Street, then move to 9th Street, then 8th Street.

During the paving operations at 8th Street, the southbound 90s Metrobuses will be re-routed away from the 8th Street block between H and I Streets. Instead, the buses will travel east on K Street to 10th Street, turn right on 10th Street, then turn right on H Street to proceed west to 8th Street, and resume their normal route south on 8th Street. There will be no change in bus stop locations. Metrobus personnel will be at the site to provide assistance.

The work is part of DDOT’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.

Thank you for your patience. If you would like additional information or assistance, please e-mail or call me at 202.320.8534 at any time.

07 May, 2010

MPD ANNOUNCES OPERATION TIPP

OPERATION TIPP OFFERS BUSINESS COMMUNITY
A WAY TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

It is no surprise that terrorism continues to be a threat in the United States and in the Nation’s Capital. What may be surprising, however, is that some terrorists use materials and equipment that are generally available in the marketplace. Some terrorists may attempt to portray themselves as legitimate customers in order to procure the goods they need, while others may attempt to steal them.

In either case, it is usually an individual business or service organization that will be the first to notice something out of the ordinary. When that happens, it is critical that these suspicions be immediately passed on to law enforcement, so that the information can be examined, evaluated and, if necessary, acted upon.

That is why the Metropolitan Police Department created Operation TIPP (Terrorist Incident Prevention Program): to make it easy for businesses, service agencies and other organizations in the Washington region to get directly involved in terrorism prevention.

Operation TIPP is a program designed to enlist the business community in detecting
and preventing terrorism in the nation’s capital. The Operation TIPP hotline seeks to educate businesses within specific industries on what to look out for in the way of suspicious activity related to their industry.
The MPD encourages all businesses in the DC area to become familiar with Operation
TIPP and to become actively involved in terrorism prevention.

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2010

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK TO BRING THOUSANDS TO DC
TO HONOR OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace
Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as “National Police Week.” Every year since, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on DC each May to participate in a variety of events to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and were killed in the line of duty. The 21st Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Thursday, May 13, 2010. Sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), at the Memorial grounds, located at Judiciary Square, on the 400 block of E Street, NW, Washington, DC. Other Police Week events include bicycle and motorcycle rides, wreath-laying ceremonies, the 14th annual
Blue Mass (May 5 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 10th and G Streets, NW), seminars by Concerns of Police Survivors, a Pipeband March and Service, and the Police Unit Bicycle Tour.

Locally, the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary sponsors the 31st Annual Memorial Servicefor law enforcement officers from the region killed in the line of duty. The ceremony will take place at 11 am on Monday, May 10, 2009, at the memorial fountain outside MPD Headquarters at 300 Indiana Avenue, NW. This year MPD will pay tribute to SPO Stephen T. Johns of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.

One of Our 1D Citizens is Missing




May 5, 2010
Missing Person: Lovie Kornegay

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in attempting to locate a missing adult female identified as 81-year-old Lovie Lee Kornegay.

Ms. Kornegay was reportedly last seen on Monday, May 3, 2010, at approximately 4 pm in the 1200 block of Delaware Ave, SW.
Ms. Kornegay is described as a black female, approximately 5’3” to 5’4” in height, and weighing approximately 125-130 pounds. She is further described as having brown eyes and short gray hair. She was reportedly last observed wearing a black hat, gray pants, and a green shirt.

Anyone who may observe Lovie Lee Kornegay or may have information as to her whereabouts is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

Homicide in the 500 block of Edgewood Street, NE

Homicide in the 500 block of Edgewood Street, NE

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting which occurred on Edgewood Street, NE.

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, at approximately 11 pm officers from the Fifth District responded to the 500 block of Edgewood Street, NE for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered a male juvenile suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as 16-year-old Dezmine Perkins of the 500 block of Edgewood Street, NE was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM [E] (1-888-919-2746).

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Additionally, anonymous information may also be forwarded to D.C. Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided by a caller to Crime Solvers leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

01 May, 2010

Use No Emergency Parking Signs The Right Way

Information Required on all No Emergency Parking or Reserved Parking Signs

* Duration of the parking reservation or prohibition
* Hours of the parking reservation or prohibition
* Permit or Contract Number
* Reason
* Date Posted and
* Contact name and telephone number

FINES: There are now fines for illegally posting or removing signs

* Failure to remove the sign after expiration: $25 per sign per day (+ cost of removal)
* Installation of unapproved sign: $100 per day per sign (+ cost of removal)
* Improperly removing an approved sign: $100 per sign per day sign was valid (+ cost of reproducing sign)
* Defacing or vandalizing an authorized sign: $100 per sign for the first offense; $200 per sign for the second offense; $400 per sign for the third and subsequent offenses

On-Line Permitting System (TOPS)

FENTY ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES TRACKING, TRANSPARENCY,
ACCOUNTABILITY AND IMPROVED ENFORCEMENT CAPABILITIES

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe
Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS).

The new intuitive, online system enables home owners, tenants, and businesses alike to apply for the specific type of public space occupancy, construction, excavation, annual or rental permit required for use of the public space within the District of Columbia from home, from conveniently placed kiosks at local Metropolitan Police Department District offices or DDOT’s Public Space Permit Office at 1100 4th Street in southwest.

DDOT’s TOPS system allows the public to go on-line to apply for any available public space permit. Whether you need to occupy metered or unmetered curbside parking, sidewalk, alley or travel lane areas for your activity or construction related work.
The new on-line system also prompted a redesign of the current Emergency No Parking
policies and distribution. Following the mandates of a 2006 City Council law that created both an “Emergency No Parking” sign and a “Reserved Parking” sign DDOT has redesigned and reformatted the template for these signs. The law specified information to be included on the signs and provided penalties for people posting signs improperly. Under this program DDOT issues temporary Emergency No Parking (ENP) permits for uses like construction and trash containers and Reserved Parking (RP) permits for short term uses like a mobile storage container, a moving
truck or non-recurring events, such as weddings.

As part of the legislation, certain information must now be included on the signs, or penaltieswill be enforced for people posting signs improperly and for people defacing or removing valid signs. Historically “emergency no parking” signs could be purchased at hardware stores or even printed at home. This made enforcement of the signs and verification of the posting time consuming and difficult. The old version of the sign provided little or no contact information and the purpose of the posting was unclear, whether it is for utility or construction work, or a special event or moving truck. In addition, parking was often restricted longer than necessary.

The new signs will provide inspectors with a permit number, contact name, and exact
posting information allowing for stricter and culpable enforcement.

NO PHONE ZONE PLEDGE

DNT TXT N DRV: TAKE THE “NO PHONE ZONE” PLEDGE

Talking and texting on your cell phone while driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s against the law. The Distracted Driving Safety Act of 2004 is designed to improve traffic safety in the District of Columbia by reducing the number of crashes caused by inattentive drivers who become distracted by the use of phones or other electronic devices. Since 2004, it has been illegal for motorists to use
a mobile phone or other electronic device while driving in the DC, unless the telephone or device is equipped with a hands-free accessory. The penalty for violating the law is $100.

If you haven’t yet seen them, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) has posted “No Phone Zone” on all 47 of their electronic traffic boards as part of a national campaign aimed at getting people to drive responsibly, which kicked off Friday, April 30, 2010. Oprah Winfrey has highlighted the dangers of using cell phones while driving and she is using her popularity to raise awareness about this cause nationwide. The “No Phone Zone” pledge is simple. It asks drivers to commit to driving responsibly by: not texting while driving; using only hands-free calling devices when using a cell phone while driving; and pulling over to a secure
location to use the phone whenever possible.

Distracted driving can destroy a person’s life. Taking the “No Phone Zone” pledge shows others that you’re dedicated to making the streets safer. So take the pledge. Join Oprah and millions of people who believe that this commitment saves lives!
FENTY

Additional Arrest Made in South Capitol Street Shootings

Additional Arrest Made in South Capitol Street Shootings

The Metropolitan Police Department announced today that an additional arrest has been made in the shootings that occurred on South Capitol Street on March 30, 2010.

Twenty-one year old Jeffrey D. Best was arrested in Southeast, DC just before 9 am on Monday, April 26, 2010 by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force pursuant to an arrest warrant charging him with four counts of Murder One While Armed and one count of Felony Murder While Armed.

The shooting incidents which occurred in the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE and in the unit block of Galveston Street, SW on the evening of March 30, 2010 resulted in four fatalities. A total of nine people were shot, six males and three females.

Two suspects were arrested on March 30 and two other suspects were arrested on April 22, 2010.

“We are very pleased to announce the final arrest in this case,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “While I know this does not alleviate the pain caused by these heinous acts, this arrest closes a chapter in this tragedy.”


Fenty Administration Announces Arrests in South Capitol Street Shootings

Earlier today the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made two additional arrests in the tragic shootings that occurred on South Capitol Street on March 30, 2010. MPD also executed several search warrants in connection with the case.

Twenty-two year-old Robert Bost was arrested pursuant an arrest warrant charging three counts of First Degree Murder While Armed and one count of Felony Murder while Armed, and twenty- two year-old Lamar Williams was arrested pursuant a DC Superior Court warrant charging four counts of Murder I While Armed and one count of Felony Murder While Armed.

Today’s arrests are the culmination of the ongoing investigation of MPD and attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO) and the Office of the Attorney General of the District of Columbia (OAG) in the weeks since the initial arrests.

On the night of the shootings, MPD arrested Orlando Carter, Nathaniel Simms and a 14 year-old juvenile named Malik Carter. The USAO is pursuing charges against Orlando Carter and Nathaniel Simms. Malik Carter’s case is being handled by the Office of the Attorney General. The investigation by MPD, USAO and OAG has determined that Malik Carter was not involved in the March 30th shootings. This morning the OAG dismissed all charges against him.

The names of juvenile arrestees are generally not published nor is law enforcement permitted to publicly discuss juvenile matters due to the District’s strict confidentiality laws. Unfortunately, at least one publication identified the juvenile in this case. At the request of Attorney General Peter Nickles, earlier today Judge William Jackson, presiding Judge of the Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, signed an order allowing MPD and OAG to discuss the case in order to publicly clear Malik Carter’s name.

Malik Carter was originally identified as the driver of the van that carried the gunmen. At a preliminary hearing, the Court found sufficient evidence to support probable cause for the arrest and for a commitment to secure detention pending trial. However, evidence discovered since his arrest makes it clear that he was not involved.

“On behalf of all residents of the District, we continue to keep the families and friends of the victims in our thoughts and prayers,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “This case has been difficult for all of us to accept, in fact any senseless act of murder is one tragedy too many. I commend the men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department who have worked hard over the past several weeks to bring this case to closure.”

Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said, “A set of facts and circumstances developed that led our officers to firmly believe in good faith that Malik Carter was involved in this case. That preliminary information did not dissuade our investigators from ultimately uncovering the truth, exonerating Malik, and bringing this case to closure. I am hopeful that these arrests will bring some comfort to the victim’s families.”

Attorney General Nickles said, “I am extremely impressed with the thoroughness of this investigation. The result is fairness to Malik who has been exonerated and the identification and arrest of all the perpetrators involved in this horrific offense.”