Washington, D.C
DC summer youth curfew targets juvenile crime in high-risk areas
DC summer youth curfew to be enforced July, August
In an effort to reduce juvenile crime, the nation’s capital is enforcing a youth summer curfew for July and August. FOX 5’s Sierra Fox has the latest details.
WASHINGTON – In an effort to reduce juvenile crime, the nation’s capital is enforcing a youth summer curfew for July and August.
The city has identified seven focus areas where young people are frequently involved in crimes such as carjackings and robberies. The goal of the curfew is to keep kids out of trouble.
Kids under the age of 17 are not allowed to be out between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week.
“I think it’ll make a change,” said Jawanna Hardy, founder of Guns Down Friday, a non-profit in the District providing mentorship and resources for young men who have witnessed or experienced violence. “Every child’s story is different, every situation is different. Not all kids are out there causing trouble.”
The Juvenile Curfew Enforcement Pilot began in September 2023.
Since then, officers have taken 69 minors to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services for curfew violations. Of those, 45 were released to a parent or guardian.
“Instead of sending them home, a lot of them … There’s a reason they don’t want to be in their home,” Hardy said. “I’ve been in a lot of homes where kids do not want to be there… so sending them home… Find out what’s going on in their home, why does that kid not want to be home?”
One-on-one with MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith
FOX 5’s Steve Chenevey sits down with Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith to discuss the state of crime in the District and the new programs the department has introduced to improve public safety.
Penalties for curfew violations include up to 25 hours of community service for the child.
Parents or guardians could face a fine of up to $500 or be required to perform community service.
Hardy believes more needs to be done to support youth.
“What activities, what services are we providing for these kids as an alternative to being on the streets?” she asked.
Families looking to keep their children engaged while they’re out of school can visit summer.dc.gov for activities to keep them positively involved.
Washington, D.C
DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium
The Commanders are set to build a new stadium in D.C., and the debate over how fans will get to and from games is happening right now. On Wednesday, city leaders will join Metro and the Washington Commanders to talk stadium transit.
Washington, D.C
D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report
TNND — A new report from the House Oversight Committee alleges former D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to manipulate crime data. The committee released the report on Sunday, less than a week after Smith announced she was stepping down.
You’re lulling people into this false sense of security. They might go places they wouldn’t ordinarily go. They might do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do,” said Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association.
Included in the report were transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts and the former commander currently on suspended leave. One was asked, “Over the last few years, has there been any internal pressure to simply bring down crime statistics?” Their response, “Yes, I mean extremethere’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics… has come in with this current administration.”
Every single person who lives, works, or visits the District of Columbia deserves a safe city, yet it’s now clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in our nation’s capital,” House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said in a statement.
“They are going to have to regain the public trust. Again, this is a huge integrity issue,” Brantner Smith said.
Among the reports findings, Smith’s alleged pressured campaign against staff led to inaccurate crime data. Smith punished or removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers. Smith fostered a toxic culture and President Trump’s federal law enforcement surge in D.C. is working.
While Smith has not yet publicly responded to the report, she’s previously denied allegations of manipulating crime data, saying the investigation did not play a factor into her decision to step down at the end of the year.
My decision was not factored into anything with respect to, other than the fact that it’s time. I’ve had 28 years in law enforcement. I’ve had some time to think with my family,” Smith said earlier this month.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also released a statement Monday, writing in part that “the interim report betrays its bias from the outset, admitting that it was rushed to release.”
According to crime stats from the Metropolitan Police Department, since the federal law enforcement surge started in August, total violent crime is down 26%. Homicides are down 12% and carjackings 37%.
Washington, D.C
National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims
The first candle lit on the National Menorah near the White House in Washington, D.C., marked the first night of Hanukkah — and solemnly honored victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.
The National Menorah Lighting was held Sunday night, hours after gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor, and over three dozen others were being treated at hospitals.
Authorities in Australia said it was a terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.
Organizers behind the National Menorah Lighting said the news from Australia, along with the bitter cold, forced them to consider whether or not to hold the annual event.
After consulting with local law enforcement, National Menorah Lighting organizers decided to hold the event and honor the victims.
Several D.C.-area police departments issued statements confirming there are no known threats to local communities, but are monitoring just in case.
Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich condemned the attack and said community safety is a priority.
“Acts of antisemitism, especially those meant to intimidate families and communities during moments of gathering and celebration, must be called out clearly and condemned without hesitation,” Elrich said. “I have heard directly from members of Montgomery County’s Jewish community who are shaken and concerned, and I want them to know that their safety is a priority.”
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