DC promises a ‘very, very robust’ police presence to maintain public safety over July 4 holiday

Washington, D.C. has pledged to ensure public safety during the July 4 holiday by implementing a strong police presence. Anticipating a surge in visitors and tourists, city officials are mobilizing additional police officers and multiple teams of civilian peacekeepers to prevent the rising rates of violent crime from overshadowing the weekend festivities.

Ashan Benedict, interim police chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, emphasized that the safety of residents and visitors is their top priority. Unsafe and illegal behavior will not be tolerated in the District of Columbia, he stated.

While specific officer numbers were not disclosed, Benedict assured that a substantial and robust force would be deployed. He emphasized the significant presence of law enforcement personnel during the holiday period.

In addition to these measures, Washington, D.C. has scheduled various events for both residents and visitors, including the Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue, the annual Capital Fourth concert on the National Mall, and a spectacular fireworks display. Local parades and concerts featuring Washington’s renowned Go-Go music are also being organized.

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration has been grappling with the challenge of rising violent crime rates in recent years. Although overall crime rates have decreased, murders and carjackings have surged, leading to a perception that crime is worsening. Addressing this issue was a major topic of discussion during Bowser’s successful campaign for a third term in office.

Despite being significantly lower than the levels seen in the 1980s and early 1990s when Washington, D.C. had the highest per-capita murder rate in the nation, the local murder rate has steadily risen in recent years. After experiencing a 10% drop in homicides in 2022, the city has seen a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. It is on track to surpass 200 homicides for the third consecutive year.

June has been particularly violent, marked by a series of homicides, including the tragic murder of a 63-year-old woman. Over the Juneteenth holiday weekend, 11 people were shot, resulting in four fatalities, three of whom were under 18 years old.

Lindsey Appiah, deputy mayor for public safety, acknowledged the challenge posed by gun violence and expressed the intention to have a presence in neighborhoods facing these issues. The timing of the crime concerns is difficult for Mayor Bowser, as the city is currently without a permanent police chief following the sudden retirement of former MPD Chief Robert Contee.

D.C.’s crime problem has gained national attention as the Republican-held House of Representatives has actively scrutinized local laws and publicly criticized Bowser and the D.C. Council. Earlier this year, Bowser and council members were summoned before the House Oversight Committee for a contentious session on local crime rates.

Congress eventually voted to overturn the D.C. Council’s comprehensive revision of the criminal code, causing embarrassment for the predominantly Democratic city. The legislation received support from numerous Democratic lawmakers and was signed into law by President Joe Biden. However, a subsequent attempt by the House of Representatives to overturn a package of police accountability and reform legislation failed.

To enhance safety during July 4, the mayor’s office is assembling teams of civilian violence interrupters and community leaders known as “Safety Go” teams. These teams, consisting of eight to ten members, will be deployed to 28 different “hot spot neighborhoods” throughout the city. Their primary role will be to deescalate conflicts or negative activities before police intervention becomes necessary. Similar teams have been deployed in previous years during July 4, Labor Day, and Halloween events, with proven success in reducing gun violence.

Ashan Benedict also issued a warning against the dangerous practice of recreational or celebratory gunfire, which often occurs on July 4 and New Year’s Eve. He emphasized the potential harm caused by bullets fired into the air, stating that what goes up must come down.

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More about public safety

• Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) – Official Website
• Mayor Muriel Bowser – Official Website
• House Oversight Committee – Official Website
• Washington, D.C. Crime Statistics
• Safety Go Teams – Washington Post Article
• July 4 Celebrations in Washington, D.C.