Steve Burns
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON – (WMAL) After what they say was a successful 2017, D.C. officials are rolling out plans for the 2018 Summer Crime Initiative, targeting areas they anticipate will be a concern once the weather warms up.

“I know that sometimes folks, during the summer months, anticipate that there will be an uptick in crime and that makes some of our residents nervous,” D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said. “We aim to reduce crime and the fear of crime to ensure that our communities are safe.”

Some of the areas of emphasis this year include Greater Anacostia, Congress Heights, Douglass, and Washington Highlands.

Both Newsham and Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized community initiatives that they view as key to the program’s success.

“It’s about keeping young people engaged and safe. It’s about connecting residents with behavioral health supports and resources, and making sure we help connect residents with employment opportunities as well,” Bowser said.

Several non-profit groups will see funding from the city to help in those efforts, she said.

Newsham maintained some in the area will see the effects of “traditional law enforcement” as well.

“There are illegal firearms in our community that have to be removed by the police,” Newsham said. “There are repeat violent offenders, and there are some folks in here that need to be dealt with in a traditional law enforcement way.”

Both hope for a continuation of the results reported after last year’s efforts. Newsham noted a 28 percent reduction in violent crime within the areas of concern.

“The reduction last year was one of the largest reductions that we have seen, so I think we’re seeing a little bit of synergy,” he said. “I think we’re seeing a lot of increased efforts by everybody that’s involved here.”

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