DC Crime Rates Drop During Coronavirus Pandemic

WASHINGTON, DC — Property crimes in D.C. dropped 39 percent during the first 30 days of the coronavirus emergency, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser. In addition, violent crimes have dropped 3 percent during the same timeframe. Compared to the same time period in 2019, property crimes are down 31 percent and violent crimes are down 14 percent.

"Unfortunately, gun crimes are mostly unchanged, while we continue to see members of our community use firearms to settle disputes," Bowser said, during a Monday morning press briefing. "Even through this emergency, the work continues to get illegal guns of the streets of Washington, D.C."

In many parts of the country, localities have reported an increase in the report of domestic violence during the coronavirus emergency.

"Thankfully, we have not seen a similar significant increase in requests for services or reports to MPD (Metropolitan Police Department) in the District," said Michelle M. Garcia, director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, during the press briefing. "But we are constantly monitoring and working to be prepared if and when that does happen."

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Garcia did say that her office has seen a longer response time to requests for services. With limitations in transportation and the ability to move about the District easily caused by the emergency, safety planning may take more time.

Victims of domestic violence in need of help or those looking for information about emergency or transitional housing, mental health support, or medical care, are encouraged to call the D.C. Victim Hotline 24/7 at 1-844-4HELPDC. Victims who may be afraid may call 911 or text #911.

Domestic violence victims may also file for temporary protection orders with the D.C. Courts.

Last month, the District's only commercial federal firearms licensee stopped accepting new business. Bowser said Monday the Office of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety has begun working on solutions so to meet District residents' Second Amendment requirements, while at the same time trying to balance public safety. Bowser has granted MPD the authority to act as the District's federal firearms licensee, while no commercial FFL is in operation in the city.

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