October 27, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
On Monday, I announced the Addressing Crime Trends Now Act (ACT Now). ACT Now will help create an environment that prioritizes communities and victims and supports MPD?s ability to hire and retain officers. Some of the changes in the legislation are just common sense. We are giving police new tools to prevent and enforce serious issues that neighborhoods across DC are dealing with, including organized retail theft, loitering around open-air drug markets, and people wearing masks to commit crimes like robberies and carjackings.
The new legislation is in addition to the?Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023 (Safer, Stronger DC) that I introduced earlier this year. We know that one of the community?s biggest concerns is around accountability. Among many other tools, the Safer, Stronger DC legislation gives the courts more discretion to determine who should be held pre-trial, including defendants previously convicted of a violent crime. We were grateful for the Council's partnership over the summer, and now I am also calling on them to move forward a permanent version of the Safer, Stronger DC legislation.
Both ACT Now and Safer, Stronger DC support our number one priority: keeping people in our city safe.?
In addition to introducing legislation, we are also moving forward with and investing in the programs and supports we know work to keep people and communities safe. Last week, we opened?the new READY Center in Ward 8. Managed by the Department of Corrections and supported by a range of government agencies, this new facility will serve as the first standalone READY Center, a site completely dedicated to supporting returning citizens with programs and services.
Since its launch in 2019, the READY Center has served as an anchor for DC residents returning home from incarceration. Individuals who have accessed READY Center services have shown a reduced likelihood of returning to jail. Through partnerships with community-based organizations and District agencies, the READY Center provides a wide range of reentry services, including streamlined access to vital documents, housing assistance, job training, case management, and more.
Find more information about ACT Now and Safer, Stronger DC at together.dc.gov/saferstronger.?
Sincerely,
 View photos from this week on Facebook.?
 Drivers are reminded to use extra caution over the coming days, and especially on Halloween when many children will be outside in the evening trick-or-treating. Use public transportation when possible, and if you drive:
- Be alert for trick-or-treaters. Slow down. Slower speed save lives.
- Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery.
- Do not look at your phone when driving.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Use public transportation or rideshare services, such as taxis, Uber, and Lyft.
Looking for safe Halloween fun for children, teens, and families? Join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for dozens of Halloween events through Tuesday, October 31. The free, family-friendly events will provide a safe and fun way for residents to celebrate the Halloween season throughout the city.
DPR has many upcoming Halloween events, find a?full list HERE.
25th Annual Ward 7 ?Haunted House on the Hill?:?This annual tradition is back, offering a scary, fun-filled tour of the haunted house, and giveaways of popcorn and candy.
- Fort Davis Recreation Center, 1400 41st Street SE?
- October 27, 30, and 31, 6 p.m. ? 9 p.m. each day??
Riggs-LaSalle and MPD Hoops Halloween Kickoff:?A special event to celebrate Halloween with the officers who serve the community.?
- Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, 501 Riggs Road NE?
- Monday, October 30, 4 p.m. ? 6 p.m.?
Wheels Up, Hay Down | Roving Leaders Fall Festival:?Join DPR for a fun-filled fall festival, including a candy drop from a fire truck ladder with DC Fire & Emergency Medical Services firefighters.?
- Oxon Run Park, 1200 Block of Mississippi Avenue SE
- Tuesday, October 31, 5 p.m. ? 7 p.m.?
The Metropolitan Police Department joins DPR in hosting a series of child-safe, family-friendly events for Halloween. View a full list of MPD's Safe Haven events below:
First District Police Station (101 M Street SW)
- Haunted House: October 30 @ 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Haunted House & Trunk or Treat: October 31@ 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Second District Police Station (Rose Park Recreation Center- 2609 Dumbarton Street NW)
- Halloween Story Time: October 27 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Third District Police Station (1620 V Street NW)
- House of Screams: October 30 & 31 @ 6:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Fourth District Police Station (6001 Georgia Avenue NW)
- Trunk or Treat: October 31 @ 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Fifth District Police Station (Arboretum Recreation Center- 2412 Rand Place NE)
- Harvest Fair & "Boo" Bus: October 30 @ 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Sixth District Police Station (Gospel Ark Temple- 4551 Benning Road SE)
- Harvest Festival: October 28 @ 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Seventh District Police Station (2455 Alabama Avenue SE)
- Trunk or Treat: October 31 @ 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Youth and Family Engagement Bureau (5002 Hayes Street NE)
- Haunted House: October 31@ 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
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 Join Live Long DC and the Department of Behavioral Health for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Residents who have unused or expired medications can bring them to a collection site for safe disposal. Ensuring that unused or expired medications are disposed of safely helps prevent misuse which can lead to addiction, overdose, or even death.
- When: Saturday, October 28 @ 10:00 a.m. ? 2:00 p.m.
- Find a collection site near you at gov/takebackday
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 DC Record Fair: Eaton DC?s 2023 Record Fair- Fall Edition will offer residents the chance to shop and buy records from an extensive vinyl collection from 40+ vendors from up and down the East Coast. The event will also feature high fidelity audio systems with DJs. Entry is free of charge.
- Where: Eaton (1201 K Street NW)
- When: Sunday, October 29 @ 11:00 a.m. ? 5:00 p.m.
Spooktacular Halloween Scavenger Hunt for Junior Detectives: From Saturday, October 28 until October 31, young detectives will have the chance to uncover illusions and riddles dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes for a chance to win candy treasures.
- Where: Museum of Illusions (927 H Street NW)
- When: October 28 ? October 31 @ twice a day through the weekend at both 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., only at 10:00 a.m. during the week
- Learn more and purchase tickets?HERE.
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