Washington, D.C

Opinion | Secure D.C. is just a start. Here’s how to make D.C. safe and vibrant.

Published

2 years ago

April 14, 2024

Opinion | Secure D.C. is just a start. Here’s how to make D.C. safe and vibrant.

Regarding the April 4 package of letters “What would make D.C. feel safe? These 12 Washington-area residents have ideas.”

After the deadliest year in decades, the D.C. Council, the mayor and, most importantly, our communities have come together to take definitive legislative action to drive down crime and violence in Washington. We are already seeing a marked improvement in public safety, with violent crime now down 22 percent compared with this time last year.

But we’re not done listening, and we’re not done finding ways to fulfill government’s greatest responsibility: to provide for the safety and well-being of all our residents.

Both the public safety emergency legislation I introduced and shepherded to passage last summer and the Secure D.C. omnibus I introduced and passed into law this year were shaped by residents’ concerns.

I’ve met with thousands of D.C. residents, held hearings on more than a dozen pieces of legislation I introduced and moved forward, conducted public safety walks in all eight wards to hear neighborhood-specific needs and feedback, and discussed needs identified by community organizations. I’ve collaborated with the attorney general’s office, U.S. attorney’s office and our D.C. courts and met with local and federal leaders across the District and country to determine the efficacy of a wide range of potential initiatives.

I heard the same message in living rooms, at houses of worship, on sidewalks and inside community centers. Everyone demanded safety and action. Collectively, we all wanted to send a clear message that we cannot, and will not, tolerate the gun violence or crime trends that have been devastating our communities. And we knew we needed a dynamic and multifaceted response to address all the factors that make residents feel unsafe.

That’s why Secure D.C. includes initiatives to prevent crime and end cycles of violence by investing in our public spaces and creating job training programs to support citizens returning from incarceration; to ensure accountability for violent crime and gun violence by strengthening charges for carjacking and firearms use and allowing pretrial detention for violent crimes; and to facilitate reliable and effective government response to resident needs by increasing data-sharing, transparency and resources.

But the work is far from over. I hear both the residents’ calls for continued responsiveness to crime and those calling for long-term investments in our communities. And I want them to hear this: We can and must do both. And we will.

We can make sure our kids get to school safely and invest in literacy training for our teachers who support them in their classrooms. We can refuse to tolerate gun crimes and carjackings when they happen and stand up well-coordinated violence intervention, de-escalation and restorative justice programs to stop the next cycle of violence before it starts. And as we make our public spaces safe, we can provide access to programming and recreational spaces so that our communities can experience not just baseline security but enrichment and joy.

The District has a bright future. Our communities demand and depend on it. And are working hard to get there.

The writer, a Democrat representing Ward 2, is chairwoman of the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety.

In the wake of the enactment of Secure D.C., the dialogue on public safety must shift toward solutions that not only ensure accountability for offenders but also prioritize residents’ well-being and tackle the catalysts of crime. We can reduce incarceration and lower crime rates simultaneously.

The cost of punishment — particularly through incarceration — is exceedingly high. In comparison, preventive initiatives such as early-childhood education, mentorship, employment opportunities and mental health services typically require a fraction of the cost and yield significant long-term societal benefits beyond reducing crime.

We should fully fund initiatives such as the Metropolitan Police Department Cadet Corps, which hires District residents between the ages of 17 and 24 for uniformed civilian jobs while also helping them pay for college courses. Efforts such as the Cadet Corps and initiatives to prioritize responsive and proactive community policing are essential to enhancing public safety.

Expanding employment opportunities, particularly through programs such as First Source, can provide individuals with viable alternatives to criminal activity. And establishing resource hubs in Ward 7 in collaboration with agencies including the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, Pretrial Services Agency and the Court Support Services Division can help prevent relapse into criminal behavior. Intervening at the right time in people’s lives is crucial for breaking the cycle of crime and for successfully reintegrating returning citizens into society.

Prevention efforts not only have the potential to disrupt the intergenerational cycle of repeat offenders but also offer a path toward positive youth development. There’s a shortage of uplifting and productive activities for D.C. youths, often leaving them vulnerable to the influences of crime. Drawing from my extensive experience as a youth advocate with the Ward 7 Education Council and State Board of Education, I have witnessed the remarkable potential of our young people when provided with the right guidance and opportunities. Early identification of risk, coupled with targeted interventions, is vital in averting criminal behavior. Preventing disengagement from education and providing beneficial alternatives can effectively decrease youth recidivism.

Despite the use of the recent uptick in crime to discredit criminal justice reform, D.C. is ready for a more effective approach. By prioritizing prevention, rehabilitation, investing in early intervention and providing support systems, we can break the cycle of crime and foster positive youth development.

Eboni-Rose Thompson, Washington

The writer represents Ward 7 on D.C.’s State Board of Education.

The Post’s April 4 front-page article “Bill from D.C. mayor targets youth violence and truancy” discussed Mayor Muriel E. Bowser’s plan “to address a crisis among young people in the District.” She is right to be concerned. Last year, 106 children and teenagers in D.C. were shot. Sixteen of them died. Carjackings in the city nearly doubled in 2023, and the average age of those arrested for carjacking was 15. Guns were used in the commission of half of these crimes. And 37 percent of all D.C. school students last year were truant.

The mayor’s plan to get tougher with violent juvenile criminals is commendable. But I want to also applaud her for wanting to hold parents accountable if their children do not go to school. Fine the parents or put them in jail if their children are habitually truant. It’s the law, but, as The Post reported, no such penalties have been imposed in D.C. “in recent years.”

Recently, we learned that three D.C. individuals had been arrested and charged with the horrific beating to death of an elderly man with disabilities. The suspects are three girls ages of 12 and 13. According to The Post, all three had long-standing truancy issues. One of the girls reportedly did not attend a single day of classes this year. During their court hearings, The Post reported, “the girls’ parents sat in the back of the courtroom.” It appears that these parents, and many others in D.C., have for too long taken a back seat when it comes to raising their children.

The writer is president of Citizens Behind the Badge.

Don’t make crime someone else’s problem

The Post’s March 18 editorial, “Crime is falling almost everywhere except D.C. Who’s responsible?,” argued that “crime in Washington isn’t just the mayor’s problem, or the council’s. All of those with power to improve the situation owe the city more.” I would like to add some people and organizations with the power to make a difference to The Post’s list.

1. Parents and guardians. Some children are out of control, and adult supervision at their homes is either too lax or absent. Parents and guardians must be strongly encouraged to seek professional help for their wayward kids if they need it.

2. Schools. Parental engagement needs to be strengthened. There are schools that have no viable parent-teacher associations or equivalent organizations. Schools and the communities they serve should partner to develop more co-curricular and extracurricular activities to help students expand their interests and find their passions.

3. Churches. There are nearly 800 places of worship in D.C. Many youths see the inside of these houses of worship only when there are funerals. The pastors need to be more involved in community activities and open the doors of their churches to community for more than worship services.

4. Advisory neighborhood commissions. The members of the commissions should be more involved in organizing constructive and safe activities for our youths. The ANCs should recruit high school students to serve as interns and receive community service hours toward graduation.

5. Civic associations. Some D.C. civic associations are older than home rule. These organizations can play critical roles in establishing a sense of community place, pride and tradition. Unlike ANCs, which are governmental entities with restrictions, civic associations can operate with more flexibility. Unfortunately, there are east-of-the-river neighborhoods that have no civic associations and associations that are struggling to stay afloat or are poorly led.

6. The community at large. The code of silence in our community is killing people. There are many people who have information that could close homicide cases but will not come forth even though they can do it anonymously.

I realize that, like The Post Editorial Board, I am engaging in finger pointing. I feel that at the community level, if we are to engage in finger pointing, we should form a circle. We must all challenge one another to do more. We particularly owe that to the children.

Philip Pannell, Washington

The writer is executive director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council.

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Washington, D.C

Navy Yard added back to DC’s juvenile curfew zones this weekend

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Press Room

Navy Yard added back to DC’s juvenile curfew zones this weekend

WASHINGTON – Navy Yard is back on the list of D.C.’s juvenile curfew zones for the weekend, a week after a large gathering of teens turned violent in a nearby park.

D.C. Police announced three curfew zones beginning Friday night: Navy Yard, Chinatown and the U Street Corridor. Under the emergency juvenile curfew law, anyone under 18 is prohibited from gathering in groups of nine or more within the designated zones from 8 to 11 p.m. through Sunday unless accompanied by an adult.

Navy Yard added back to DC’s juvenile curfew zones this weekend

Navy Yard was not included as a curfew zone last weekend, when police say roughly 200 teens gathered in the area. Videos posted to social media showed several teens assaulting another. Police, with assistance from the National Guard and Secret Service, arrested two teens. One was accused of firing a gun into the air, the other accused of trying to discard a gun in a rideshare vehicle. At least two victims were forcibly robbed.

City leaders enacted the temporary curfew law in response to a rise in teen takeovers across the District. But the measure is set to expire April 15, and Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who chairs the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, said this week there are not enough votes to extend it again.

READ MORE: DC curfew zones: 18 juveniles stopped first night

Emergency Curfew Legislation | DC Police

The Juvenile Curfew Second Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 is in effect through April 15, 2026

What does the law say?

The Juvenile Curfew Second Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 states that all persons under the age of 18 cannot remain in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the District of Columbia during curfew hours, unless they are involved in certain exempted activities.

The law gives the Chief of Police the authority to establish Extended Juvenile Curfew Zones and allows the Mayor of the District of Columbia to authorize an Emergency Juvenile Curfew.

What are the curfew hours?

Citywide curfew hours are 11:00 pm to 6:00 am, seven days a week.

Juvenile Curfew Zones

In Juvenile Curfew Zones, any person under the age of 18 gathering in a group of nine (9) or more youths in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the perimeter of an extended juvenile curfew zone must leave the area unless engaged in certain exempted activities. The Chief of Police will designate the curfew hours within these zones and communicate them to the public, but they will not begin before 8:00 pm or end after 6 am.

A list of declared Juvenile Curfew Zones is available in a link at the bottom of this page. That list includes zones declared in July and August 2025 under the first Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act of 2025, and in November 2025 under Mayor’s Order 2025-115.

Juvenile Curfew Zone Petition

Pursuant to the emergency law, an Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC), business improvement district (BID), or Main Street organization may petition the Chief of Police to establish a Juvenile Curfew Zone with extended juvenile curfew hours in an area covered by, or adjacent to the area covered by, the organization.
The petition must be approved by a formal vote of the members of the ANC, or the members of the BID or Main Street board of directors.

For more information on submitting a petition, please visit this form.

Does the curfew law apply to non-District residents?

Yes. The curfew law applies to all persons under the age of 18 who are in the District of Columbia during curfew hours. This includes both District residents as well as young people who reside elsewhere.

What are the penalties for violating the law?

A parent or legal guardian of a juvenile under the age of 18 commits an offense if he or she knowingly permits, or by insufficient control allows, a minor to violate the curfew law. Any adult who violates the Juvenile Curfew Act is subject to a fine not to exceed $500 or community service. A minor who violates curfew may be ordered to perform up to 25 hours of community service.

Persons under the age of 18 are exempt from curfew if they:

Accompany a parent or guardian
Complete an errand at the direction of a parent or guardian, without detour or stop
Ride in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel
Work or return home from a job, without detour or stop
Become involved in an emergency
Stand on a sidewalk that joins their residence or the residence of a next-door neighbor, if the neighbor did not complain to police
Attend an official school, religious, or other recreational activity sponsored by the District of Columbia, a civic organization, or other similar group that takes responsibility for the juvenile (this includes traveling to and from the activity)
Exercise their First Amendment rights protected by the US Constitution, including the free exercise of speech, religion, and right of assembly

Is a Curfew Law Constitutional?

Passed in 1995, The Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995 (DC Code 2-1541 et. seq.) was set up to protect the health and safety of young people and our communities. After the law was challenged in court, MPD stopped enforcement until the court decided whether the law was constitutional. In June 1999, the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found the law to be constitutional. The District began enforcing the law again in the fall of 1999. MORE ONLINE

The Source: Information in this article comes from the Metropolitan Police Department and previous FOX 5 reporting.

NewsWashington, D.C.Crime in the DMV

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Washington, D.C

Road closures, parking restrictions for DC’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon – WTOP News

Published

14 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Press Room

Road closures, parking restrictions for DC’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon – WTOP News

Saturday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5k will have thousands of runners rocking through D.C. But drivers will want the party to end as fast as possible.

This year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5K run will have thousands of runners rocking through D.C. on Saturday. But drivers will want the party to end as fast as possible, as the race will bring a slew of road closures and parking restrictions to the District.

The 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. and the half marathon starts at 8 a.m. The finisher concert wraps up at 1:30 p.m. The routes for both races are below:

Click to expand

The following streets will be closed from 3 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Constitution Avenue from 9th Street to 15th Street NW

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon.

Constitution Avenue from 15th Street 23rd Street NW
10th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
12th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
14th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Virginia Avenue from 18th Street to 19th Street NW
18th Street from Constitution Avenue to E Street NW
1800 block of C Street NW
E Street from 18th Street to 19th Street NW
19th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue NW
27th Street from Virginia Avenue to Whitehurst Freeway NW
I Street from 27th Street to Virginia Avenue NW
Calvert Street from 24th Street to Columbia Road NW
Adams Mill Road from 18th Street to Calvert Street NW
Columbia Road from 18th Street to 16th Street NW
Harvard Street from 16th Street to 5th Street NW
5th Street from Harvard Street to Bryant Street NW
Bryant Street from 4th Street to North Capitol Street NW
North Capitol Street from Bryant Street to K Street NW
K Street from North Capitol Street to 5th Street NW
4th Street from K Street to E Street NW
E Street from 4th Street to 6th Street NW
6th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Parking will be restricted on the following streets from noon Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Constitution Avenue from 6th Street to 7th Street NW
Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street to 4th Street NW
6th Street from C Street to Constitution Avenue NW
Madison Drive from 3rd Street to 4th Street

Parking will be restricted on the following streets from 4 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Pennsylvania Avenue from 4th Street to 7th Street NW
Constitution Avenue from 3rd Street to 6th Street NW
3rd Street from Constitution Avenue to Independence Avenue SW
4th Street from Madison Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Parking will be restricted on the following streets Saturday from midnight to 2 p.m.

Constitution Avenue from 7th Street to 23rd Street NW
10th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
12th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
14th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Virginia Avenue from 18th Street to 19th Street NW
18th Street from Constitution Avenue to E Street NW
1800 block of C Street NW
1800 block of Virginia Avenue NW
E Street from 18th Street to 19th Street NW
19th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue NW
27th Street from Virginia Avenue to Whitehurst Freeway NW
I Street from 27th Street to Virginia Avenue NW
Calvert Street from 24th Street to Columbia Road NW
Adams Mill Road from 18th Street to Calvert Street NW
Columbia Road from 18th Street to 16th Street NW
Harvard Street from 16th Street to 5th Street NW
5th Street from Harvard Street to Bryant Street NW
Bryant Street from 4th Street to North Capitol Street NW
North Capitol Street from Bryant Street to K Street NW
K Street from North Capitol Street to 5th Street NW
4th Street from K Street to E Street NW
E Street from 4th Street to 6th Street NW
6th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue NW

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Washington, D.C

Could DC see one last blast of winter? Polar vortex could potentially bring late March chill

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Press Room

Could DC see one last blast of winter? Polar vortex could potentially bring late March chill

After chilly week, warmup ahead for DC region

It’s the last day of winter tomorrow and it sure felt like it on Wednesday, though a timely warmup is expected as we prepare to start spring! FOX 5’s Mike Thomas has the outlook for the rest of the week.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Don’t pack the winter coat away just yet. Forecasters say a potential polar vortex split could send colder air into the Washington, D.C. region before the end of March, bringing one last reminder of winter as spring begins to take hold.

What we know about the potential cold blast

Long-range forecast models suggest the polar vortex — a mass of cold air typically locked near the North Pole — could split by the end of March.

If that happens, colder air may shift into parts of the northern U.S., including the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Forecasters with FOX Weather say this setup could bring below-average temperatures to areas like Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia late in the month.

Polar Vortex (FOX Weather)

What local meteorologists are saying

While long-range models point to a possible late-month cooldown, FOX 5 DC meteorologists say a warmup is expected in the near term.

“It’s the last day of winter tomorrow and it sure felt like it on Wednesday, though a timely warmup is expected as we prepare to start spring!” FOX 5’s Mike Thomas said while outlining the forecast for the rest of the week.

That outlook underscores the uncertainty in longer-range projections, with warmer spring conditions expected before any potential shift later in the month.

What we don’t know yet

It remains uncertain exactly where the coldest air will settle.

That uncertainty will determine whether the D.C. region sees a noticeable cooldown or only a slight dip in temperatures.

How this could impact the D.C. region

The D.C. area may see a return to cooler conditions just as spring begins, though impacts could be less intense if the coldest air stays farther north.

While widespread snow is not currently expected, temperatures could still dip enough to bring a brief reminder of winter.

Polar Vortex (FOX Weather)