Blog Archives
Neighborhood Watch Training: November 21 in Trinidad
Neighborhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program where neighbors look out for each other’s safety, property and homes in a systematic and sustained way. It is based on the idea that when residents, businesses, clergy, police and other partners look out for the safety of the neighborhood, establish and maintain open lines of communication, and collaborate to resolve problems of crime and disorder, they create safer, friendlier and healthier neighborhoods.You can learn more about the overall program or download the training manual on the MPD website.
There will be a free neighborhood watch training session at the Trinidad Recreation Center on November 21st at 11 am. We encourage you to attend. This will be a good resource for the community and a way we can all help reduce crime of opportunity in our neighborhood. See the message from Neighborhood Watch Trainer below for additional information and where to register for the training.
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Message from Neighborhood Watch Trainer:
Neighborhood Watch Crime Prevention Training will be conducted at the following locations on the dates and times noted. They are free trainings open to anyone interested in reducing crime. Please let me know if you are coming though as hand-outs are prepared based on the number of participants, and space is limited.
If you want to learn ways to prevent crime and reduce your likelihood of becoming a crime victim, please attend the training. You will see pictures of actual crime scenes and learn how to avoid becoming a victim of the crimes. More than 80% of crime in DC is preventable (Crime of Opportunity). By reducing these crimes, the police can concentrate on preventing and solving more violent crimes. You will also learn how to become a block captain, and how to start Neighborhood Watch on your block.
If you would like to attend the training, please contact me by email at NolanTutor@yahoo.com.
I hope to see you at a training. Remember to email me if you would like to attend.
Samantha Nolan
Citywide Neighborhood Watch Trainer
November 9, 2015//7:00 pm
Parkview Recreation Center
693 Otis Place NE
Washington, DC 20018
November 10, 2015//7:00 pm
Friendship Public Charter School
1345 Potomac Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
November 14, 2015//11:00 am
Hillcrest Citizens Association
Location To Be Announced
November 16, 2015//6:30 pm
Cedar Heights Apts.
1510 Butler Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
November 19, 2015//6:30 pm
Meadowbrook Run Apt.
3635 6th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20032
November 21, 2015//11:00 am
Trinidad Recreation Center
1310 Childress Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
December 19, 2015//11:00 am
Hemingway Temple AME Church
501 P Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
TNA October Meeting TOMORROW
What does the Office of the Attorney General do for DC residents? What is going on with crime in the neighborhood?
Come to the next Trinidad Neighborhood Association meeting to get answers to those questions.
The next TNA Community Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 27 at 7 pm in the Trinidad Recreation Center (1310 Childress St NE). Agenda items include:
- MPD 5th District Public Safety Update
- Robert White Jr. Esq, Office for the Attorney General
- Community Clean Up
ASL/English Interpretation will be provided by Access Interpreting, Inc.
5D Citizen’s Advisory Council Meeting TONIGHT
The Metropolitan Police Department works with an advisory panel in each police district. These councils are called the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) and each provide the district commander with information and recommendations from the community on the public’s safety problems and police service needs. Regular monthly CAC meetings in each district allow residents to meet and discuss police-related issues with the commander. The meetings also provide an opportunity for police officials to assess the impact of their crime-fighting efforts on the community.
The 5th District CAC meeting will be held tonight (September 24th) starting at 7 pm. The meetings are at the 5th District Police Station at 1805 Bladensburg Road NE.
The guest speaker this month is Attorney General Karl A. Racine. He will cover topics ranging from prisoner early release programs, crime reduction initiatives, and synthetic drugs.
The CAC meetings are open to all DC residents and are a place where you can take security concerns to discuss with the Police Commander.
Mayor Bowser’s Statement on Public Safety
Dear Washingtonians,
As Mayor, my top priority is your safety. While crime as a whole remains flat, the District of Columbia has experienced a spike in violent crime in 2015, similar to what is happening in cities across the country – from Los Angeles to Milwaukee to New York. I want you to know that my Administration is working around the clock to prevent crime, respond swiftly when it happens, and hold criminals accountable.
Over the past several weeks, I have been meeting with my public safety team on a frequent basis, talking to community leaders, and working with our federal public safety partners to address violent crime in the District. Meanwhile, Police Chief Lanier continues to keep MPD officers on the forefront of effective policing. Just last week, the Chief hosted a national summit with big city police chiefs to identify trends and share best practices.
We are using proven methods and trying new ones to tackle crime. MPD has increased its street presence through a combination of foot, bike, and Segway patrols. We are beefing up our patrols in neighborhoods that have experienced higher levels of crime. And we are using every tool at our disposal to prevent the violence that occurs from synthetic drugs – including our new law that punishes bad acting businesses that sell these extremely harmful and dangerous substances.
We are also working hard to close cases: we will find and arrest individuals that commit violent crime. We work closely with Acting U.S. Attorney Vincent Cohen and our federal partners to ensure that criminals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that their sentences reflect the harm they cause to our communities.
Most importantly, we are listening to the residents of DC. Remember, during an emergency, you should call 911. And if you have information about a crime, we urge you to send an anonymous message to MPD’s text tip line (50411). If you see something, please say something.
As we fight crime, we continue to build stronger ties between the police force and District residents. Our officers regularly attend ANC and community meetings, and they conduct frequent neighborhood walkthroughs. Residents can sign up for MPD’s neighborhood listserv groups HERE.
Together, we are stronger. We need your continued involvement and support to maintain the strength and vibrancy of our community. To find ways to get involved, please reach out to your ward representative at my Office of Community Relations and Services by clicking HERE.
With innovative policing, a committed public safety team and your help, we will keep DC on the right path toward safety and security.
Sincerely,
Muriel Bowser
Mayor
Arrests for Solicitation
One of the issues that residents often mention in crime and safety meetings is prostitution along West Virginia Ave NE. Recently the DC Police Department posted two press releases on July 24th and July 25th (see below) highlighting 13 arrests for soliciting prostitution in Trinidad. The operation is on-going and the DC Police Department will provide additional updates as it continues.
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Press, MPD (MPD)’ mpd.press@dc.gov
Jul 25
Public Information Office 202-727-4383
July 25, 2015
Additional Arrests Made in Solicitation of Prostitution Operation
(Washington, DC) – Members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Narcotics and Special Investigation Division Human Trafficking Unit announced 6 additional arrests have been made in a prostitution enforcement operation.
On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit began conducting prostitution enforcement. The 6 arrests between the overnight hours of Friday, July 24 and Saturday July 25, 2015 bring the total arrested in this operation to 63 since Tuesday, July 14, 2015. These incidents occurred in and around the Trinidad neighborhood, in Northeast. All arrested were adult males charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.
The Metropolitan Police Department continues to respond to complaints about crime and encourages the public to contact Metropolitan Police Department with concerns about crime.
The operation is ongoing.
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‘Press, MPD (MPD)’ mpd.press@dc.gov
Jul 24
Public Information Office 202-727-4383
July 24, 2015
Additional Arrests Made in Solicitation of Prostitution Operation
(Washington, DC) – Members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Narcotics and Special Investigation Division Human Trafficking Unit announced 7 additional arrests have been made in a prostitution enforcement operation.
On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit began conducting prostitution enforcement. The 7 arrests between the overnight hours of Thursday, July 23 and Friday July 24, 2015 bring the total arrested in this operation to 57 since Tuesday, July 14, 2015. These incidents occurred in and around the Trinidad neighborhood, in Northeast. All arrested were adult males charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.
The Metropolitan Police Department continues to respond to complaints about crime and encourages the public to contact Metropolitan Police Department with concerns about crime.
The operation is ongoing.
National Night Out at Starburst Intersection
[Apologies for the repost caused by a human/technical error. ]
National Night Out (NNO) enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. This is needed as across the country law enforcement and communities have been in less than positive interactions, as reported in too many recent news articles. NNO is held the first Tuesday each year as a community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods a safer, better place to live. It was started by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a non-profit crime prevention program. This is the 32nd year of the night against crime and the Metropolitan Police Department has organized activities in Patrol Service Areas (PSA) across the city to participate in the national set of events.
In Ward 5, activities will center around the Starburst Intersection on Tuesday, August 4th.
Description: Join the Fifth District for an evening to celebrate community pride, unity, and most importantly our public safety partnerships. We will provide crime prevention tips/safety information, good food, great music and more. Residents will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with MPD Command staff, the CAC, and with your Neighbors. Pack up the Kids, put on your comfy dance shoes, come on out, and GET F.R.E.S.H. with MPD5D.
Time: 6-9 pm
Location: The Starburst Intersection // Maryland Avenue, Bladensburg Road, and H Streets, NE
Contact: Fayette Vaughn-Lee, fayette.vaughn-lee@dc.gov, (202) 497-0814
To learn more about MPD’s NNO program, click here or download the flyer here: NNO 2015 Kickoff.
Trinidad Public Safety Summit
Do you have questions or concerns about public safety in and around Trinidad?
Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie will is hosting a Public Safety Summit here in our neighborhood. The event will be held on Thursday, July 30th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at the New Samaritan Baptist Church, Lower Auditorium, 1100 Florida Avenue NE. Come learn what is being done for public safety in our neighborhood and how you can help protect our residents and local businesses.
Bring your questions and concerns for the panelists scheduled to attend including the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, MPD, the Attorney General, US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Offices of United Communications/HSEMA, CSOSA, the Fire Department, and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. After dialogue with the panelists, there will be time for specific questions from the Patrol Service Areas (PSA) in attendance from the fourth and fifth districts. Trinidad falls under PSA 506.
The event is free and open to the public. There is an Eventbrite page for RSVPs to the event. Click here to register.
Councilmember McDuffie Takes on Illegal Dirt Bikes & ATVs
We’ve all seen them — dirt bikes and ATVs racing through the neighborhood, often driving the wrong way on one-way streets. Most people consider them a dangerous menace that are inappropriate in a dense urban environment. Yet police are limited in what they can do to enforce the law. Chasing the violators only increases the danger to the community. At recent community meetings, MPD has encouraged residents to report where these bikes are stored so that they can work to impound them. Now, Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie has introduced legislation to bolster enforcement abilities and increase the penalties for illegal dirt bikes and ATVs. Read the press release and a selection of news articles below.
Councilmember McDuffie introduces bill that dramatically increases the penalties for illegal dirt bikes and ATVs
Contact: Ronan Gulstone, 202-257-4129, rgulstone@dccouncil.us
Washington, DC – Today, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie (D – Ward 5) introduced legislation to address the growing problem of illegal dirt bikes and All-Terrain Vehicles (“ATVs”) in the District.
The “Enhanced Penalties for Operation of All-Terrain Vehicles and Dirt Bikes Amendment Act of 2015” provides the Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) with additional “tools” to combat what many reside
nts have described as a terrifying increase in the prevalence of packs of dirt bike and ATV riders. The measure would allow MPD to tow any dirt bike or ATV parked on public property; requires registration of all ATVs and dirt bikes with the Department of Motor Vehicles so there is a record of each vehicle; and importantly, the bill creates the following enhanced penalties for offenders:
- For a first violation, the perpetrator will be fined up to 250.00 and/or imprisoned no more than 30 days.
- For a second violation, the Mayor or her designated agent shall suspend the individual’s provisional or operator’s permit for six months from the date of the conviction. The perpetrator will also be fined up to 500.00 and/or imprisoned no more than 90 days.
- For the third or subsequent violation, the Mayor or the designated agent of the Mayor shall suspend the individual’s provisional or operator’s permit for a year and the individual will be fined up to 1000.00 and/or imprisoned for no more than 180 days.
“I have heard from countless residents, and police officers about the illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs,” said McDuffie. “Currently our laws just do not serve as a sufficient deterrent to the use of these machines. Dirt bikes and ATVs are not appropriate for use on our roads, are dangerous, and have been used completely irresponsibly on sidewalks and in packs to intimidate pedestrians and drivers.
“This bill will go a long way to serve as a warning to those who are thinking about using dirt bikes and ATVs on our streets, and also provide MPD with the ability to tow parked dirt bikes and ATVs.”
The bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Allen and Nadeau.
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DCist: McDuffie Seeks To Increase Penalties For Illegal Dirt Bikes and ATVs
Washington City Paper: McDuffie Proposes Stricter Penalties Against ATVs and Dirt Bikes
Synthetic Drug Crackdown Hits Bladensburg Road, Starburst Plaza
The Bladensburg Market Dollar Plus at 1109 Bladensburg Road NE (on the Carver-Langston side of the street) is the first store to be temporarily shut down under DC’s new synthetic drug law. MPD also arrested two people charged with selling the synthetic drugs just down the road at the Starburst Plaza.
Earlier this month Mayor Bowser signed emergency legislation to prohibit the sale of synthetic drugs, marketed under names such as Scooby Snax and Bizzaro, and giving MPD power to shutter any offending business for four days and impose a $10,000 fine. Subsequent offenses may lead to loss of the establishment’s business license. Use of the drug leads to overdose and violent behavior, according to District officials.
Fox 5 reports: DC shuts down store for synthetic drugs; arrests made nearby
Persons of Interest Sought in Robbery (1300 block Montello Ave NE)
Published Tuesday, July 7, 2015 by the DC Police Department:
Persons of Interest Sought in a Robbery (Gun): 1300 Block of Montello Avenue, Northeast
(Washington, DC) – The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two persons of interest in connection with a Robbery (Gun) offense, which occurred on Sunday, June 7, 2015, at approximately 4:40 am in the 1300 block of Montello Avenue, Northeast.
The persons of interest can be seen in this video: http://youtu.be/fgOt75LZ2is
Anyone who has information regarding this case should call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a robbery committed in the District of Columbia.
Trinidad Neighborhood Association 