DC mayor, police chief address rise in crime in Adams Morgan neighborhood

WASHINGTON (7News) — After a recent rise in crime in Adams Morgan, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Robert Contee gathered Monday to raise awareness about resources and services available to improve public safety.

"We know that this neighborhood has been particularly hard hit with burglaries and other crimes in the recent days and weeks," Bowser began. "While we know that violent crime is down since last year, the amount of violent crime remains very unsettling to neighbors."

Over the past year, Bowser said her administration has launched and expanded the number of teams that D.C. government has to respond to such crimes, including MPD's Carjacking Task Force and "Go" teams, which are deployed for special events. Two multi-agency task forces have also been launched: one focuses on nightlife corridors within the District; the second on violent crime.

The mayor's office said starting this month, the Adams Morgan corridor will be added as a nightlife area that will undergo crime observation by the Multiagency Nightlife Task Force. Already under observation are U Street NW, Connecticut Avenue NW, and H Street NE, officials said.

On Friday and Saturday nights, this team focuses on preventing violent crime, the operation of and seizing of illegal ATVs operated on public spaces, ensuring businesses are in compliance with regulatory statutes, addressing harmful traffic conditions, and reducing general disorder and criminal activity.

According to Bowser's office, between June and December 2022, there was a 28 percent decrease in total crime in the U Street Corridor; a 20 percent decrease in total crime in the H Street Corridor; and a 616 percent decrease in total crime in the Connecticut Avenue corridor.

“When MPD has deployed targeted, multiagency task forces to specific areas of the city, we have seen how these teams can work to drive down crime,” Bowser said. “Now, we are working with the community to expand those efforts. As we expand, I remain committed to ensuring MPD has the officers the Chief needs to make these types of strategic deployments and have a strong presence in our community.”

Watch the press conference below:

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Bowser also announced Monday the expansion of the Multiagency Public Safety Task Force to the Good Hope Road corridor as well as to PSA 403 and PSA 409, both along Georgia Avenue NW.

More than 10 burglaries and robberies in Adams Morgan left residents and businesses owners on edge to start the year.

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"Right now we think we have the three individuals who are responsible," said Contee on Monday. "Obviously, the investigation, because there are so many cases linked, is ongoing, so there could be other information that could be revealed over the course of the investigation. But right now, we feel very confident about the three that we have in custody."

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On Wednesday, Bowser will host a public safety walk along Georgia Avenue NW.

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Residents and businesses are reminded of three ways they can support MPD in reducing crime:

1. Participate in the Private Security Camera Incentive Program, administered by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, which provides financial support to residents, businesses, non-profits and religious institutions to install security camera systems on their property and register them with MPD.
2. D.C. residents who own a 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai vehicle can pick up a free steering wheel lock from an MPD District station.
3. Report immediate threats or emergencies by calling 911, report anonymous tips or information by texting 50411, and report suspicious activity or behavior by calling (202) 727-9099.