Breyona McMillan. Photo courtesy of DC Police Department.
In case you missed it, there was a meeting yesterday regarding the shootings earlier in November and the murder of a 16-year old at the Potomac Gardens apartment complex. We’re sharing Commissioner Denise Krepp’s meeting summary in its entirety. Reading through the thorough summary of action items sent out earlier this afternoon, it is clear that our community needs to rally around itself and reach out to make sure all children are cared for, nurtured, stimulated and mentored. Let us never forget how Relisha Rudd was taken due largely to neglect, and now let us not forget that Breyona McMillan didn’t have to die. Commissioner Krepp has included several excellent resources for mentoring youth. Consider donating your time, talent, or money to any of our local organizations: This is an important reminder especially on #GivingTuesday, a day to give to not-for-profits organizations instead of or in addition to spending money on holiday presents. – María Helena Carey
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Good afternoon. Thank you to everyone who attended the community meeting last night. Acting MPD Chief Newsham provided an outstanding update on crime in the neighborhood and I will be sending out a copy of his presentation later today.
There are also several post-meeting action items that folks will be working on:
- Cameras (Commissioner Chao and in-coming Commissioner Grace)
- Legislation (Councilmember Allen)
- Police points of contact (Commander Kane)
- Drug use near schools (Commander Kane)
- Video of criminal activity (Commander Kane)
- Potomac Gardens Programs (Commissioner Chao, in-coming Commissioner Grace, Commissioner Vann-Ghasri)
- Speed bumps (Commissioner Chao, in-coming Commissioner Grace, Commander Kane)
- Police budget (Councilmember Allen and Acting MPD Chief Newsham)
- Truancy – (Commander Kane)
- 7-Eleven crime (Commissioner Krepp)
- DOJ Prosecution Letter (Commissioner Krepp)
- Pocket parks located near Potomac Gardens (Commissioner Chao and in-coming Commissioner Grace)
- Volunteer/Mentoring Opportunities (Commissioner Krepp/Principal Brown/TBD)
Cameras
DC Housing Authority representatives shared with attendees that additional cameras will be installed at Potomac Gardens in the next 3-4 weeks. Commissioner Chao and incoming Commissioner Grace have the lead on working with DCHA to make sure that the cameras are installed and are operational by the end of December
Legislation
Councilmember Allen provides regular updates on legislation under consideration by the DC Council. If you’d like to get added to Councilmember Allen’s email distribution list, please call his office at (202)-724-8072.
Many of you draft legislation for a living. This legislation usually involves issues at the national level but the same process is also used at the local level. If you are interested in working with Councilmember on a local issue that involves a legislative fix, please contact him.
Police Points of Contact
In an emergency, always use 911 to contact the police. In addition, you can also contact 1D Commander Kane and Lieutenant Taylor:
Lt. Damion L. Taylor, MPS, FBINA 257
Metropolitan Police Department
First District Substation, PSA 108
500 E Street Southeast
Washington, D.C. 20003
Damion.taylor@dc.gov
(202) 698-0090 Office
(202) 698-0091 Direct
Morgan C. Kane, MPA
Commander
Patrol Services Bureau
First District
101 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-698-0555
Morgan.Kane@dc.gov
202 809 1275 (cell)
Drug Use Near Schools
Several residents referenced the smoking of pot outside on the 1500 block of A Street SE. You also referenced the pot smoking that is occurring near the school on the block. Both activities are illegal. If you see someone smoking pot, call 911 and contact Commander Kane and Lieutenant Taylor. Contact info above.
Video of Criminal Activity
If you have video of individuals who have committed an illegal act, please share a copy of the video with the police. The number to call is 202 727 9099. You can also email a copy of the video to Commander Kane and Lieutenant Taylor. Contact info above.<
Potomac Gardens Program
If you would like to volunteer to support the Little Lights Program at Potomac Gardens please contact Commissioner Chao, in-coming Commissioner Grace, or Commissioner Vann-Ghasri.
Commissioner Chao
6b07@anc.dc.gov
Incoming Commissioner Grace
AimeeGrace@gmail.com
Commissioner Fann-Ghasri
AVGhasri@dchousing.org
Speed Bumps
Commissioner Chao, incoming Commissioner Grace, and Commander Kane will work with DDOT to install speed bumps on I Street SE.
Police Budget
MPD clearly needs more resources and manpower. I encourage each of you to contact Councilmember Allen’s office and other Councilmember’s offices to request that they support additional funding for MPD.
Truancy
The DC school day is between 8:45am and 3:15pm. 100 MPD officers are employed as part of their truancy program. If you see a truant child, please call 911 and contact Commander Kane or Lieutenant Taylor.
7-Eleven Crime
There have been over 10 thefts at the 7-Eleven store at 15th and Independence Ave SE since the store opened four months ago. The police stated that the theft rate at the store is on par with thefts occurring at other 7-Elevens around the city. It may be on par but it doesn’t mean that the theft should be tolerated. If you are interested in working with 7-Eleven to stop the thefts and to make sure that the thefts that have occurred are properly addressed, please contact me at 6b10@anc.dc.gov.
DOJ Prosecution Letter
One resident asked that I draft a model letter to can be signed by residents requesting that DOJ provide the community with prosecution data. If you are interested in sending one of these letters, please email me at 6b10@anc.dc.gov
Pocket Parks located near Potomac Gardens
There has been a significant amount of violence at the pocket parks located near Potomac Gardens. Commissioner Chao and incoming Commissioner Grace have the lead on working DC agencies to make these areas safer for those who live near them.
Volunteer/Mentoring Opportunities
Several residents expressed interest in volunteering at local schools or acting as mentors for children in the city.
Eastern High School has created a new mentoring program for its students. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact Principal Brown.
Sah Brown
Principal
Eastern High School
An International Baccalaureate World School
Sah.Brown@dc.gov
District of Columbia Public Schools
1700 East Capitol Street NE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone:(202)698-4500
Fax:(202)698-4800
www.easternhighschooldc.org
If you would like to get involved with other volunteer/mentoring opportunities, please email me and I’ll put you in touch with the various organizations with provide support to local children.
Denise Krepp
ANC6B10 Commissioner
6b10@anc.dc.gov