Police Chief: Violent Crime Down 39 Percent in D.C. During 'All Hands' Weekend

DC Police saw “notable reductions in crime” over the weekend during its “All Hands on Deck” initiative, said DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier, in a news release.

The initiative, designed to keep the lid on crime, started at 3 pm Friday and continued through 6 am on Sunday.

“We saw notable reductions in crime this weekend during AHOD,” said Lanier. “During this weekend’s AHOD, violent crime was down 39 percent and total crime was down 49 percent compared to the same weekend in 2014. That’s very encouraging. Additionally, throughout the weekend, MPD members recovered 34 illegal guns, compared to 7 guns recovered this time last year. I appreciate the efforts of our members for working to connect with the community while at the same time trying to get illegal and dangerous weapons off the street.”

Lanier’s take on the initiative comes on the heels of a “no confidence” vote by some members of D.C.’s police union; more than 1,000 members voted that they did not have confidence in the police chief.

Dates for AHODs are selected based on predictive analysis using past data to indicate when violence is likely to occur. Resources are deployed accordingly. An additional AHOD is scheduled for Oct. 2-4.

During AHOD, all available sworn MPD personnel were on patrol throughout the District emphasizing community policing, focused law enforcement and community outreach. This included increased foot beats, detectives following up on cases and recruits passing out specific crime related information. On average during AHOD weekends, the District has seen a 10 percent reduction in violent crime, according to DC Police. There is no overtime associated with AHOD, DC Police said.

The police department reminds anyone who is the victim of a crime or witnesses a crime in progress to call 911 immediately. Individuals who have information regarding crimes should call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally anonymous information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.