WASHINGTON — A crowd of D.C. residents had a lot to say to law enforcement leaders during a meeting Wednesday night. Organized shoplifting, fair evasion that looks to some like anarchy, and of course deadly crimes have already hit Ward three again this year.
People packed a room at the Cleveland Library in Northwest D.C. with a range of concerns and one focus: Safety.
"I'm very much more weary everywhere I go," said Ward 3 resident Cheryl Tennille. "I even lock my door when I go to put the garbage cans out."
Ward 3 residents spent two hours with the District's top law enforcement officials discussing what to do about the increasing number of young people involved in crime.
"The vast majority of crimes in our city are committed by adults, but that small group of young people are wreaking havoc," explained DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
Additionally, officials touched on the historically high murder rate in the District. While the murder rate was up more than 30% last year, shootings were up just 10%. Prosecutors and police say DC has too many illegal guns and too few consequences for those arrested for having them. Especially first-time offenders.
"From our perspective, the system is sending a signal that illegal firearm possession is not that big of a deal," Schwalb said.
One resident questioned what specifically is being done to help D.C. Police without infringing on people's rights. The panel said legislation currently making its way through the council could empower police to make more arrests for illegal guns and keep more offenders behind bars.
"I ask that you continue to ask your councilmember to pass this legislation so that we can have more tools to support us in this effort," said Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith.
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