After Years Of High Crime And Homicides, D.C. Democrats Finally Discover The Police Aren’t The Problem
Washington, D.C. Democrats Take Action to Address Rising Crime
After years of increasing crime rates, Washington, D.C. Democrats have finally realized that being lenient on criminals in the name of “social justice” is not effective.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, has introduced legislation to reverse several “police reform” measures that were implemented in response to the death of George Floyd in May 2020. The Addressing Crime Trends (ACT) Now Act aims to roll back restrictions on the use of force, vehicular pursuits, and body-worn camera footage requirements. It also includes new measures to crack down on crime, such as stricter penalties for organized retail theft, the establishment of “drug-free zones” by the police chief, and the re-criminalization of wearing masks while committing a crime.
Bowser’s push for increased policing is a response to the alarming rise in homicides and other crimes in the nation’s capital. Last month, The Washington Post reported that D.C. had already recorded its 200th homicide of the year, marking the first time this milestone was reached before October since 1997. The number of homicides had been decreasing from 2004 to 2020 but spiked again in 2021 with 226 killings. Notably, D.C. had a higher violent crime rate than any state in the country last year.
The introduction of the ACT Now Act is an implicit admission by Bowser and D.C. Democrats that the “police reforms” passed during the “summer of rage” in 2020 have done more harm than good. These reforms, which banned neck restraints, limited the use of tear gas, and required the public release of body-worn camera footage, were initially approved as emergency measures and later enshrined into law. The law also created a database of police disciplinary files and excluded discipline from the police union’s collective bargaining process, making it easier to fire officers for alleged wrongdoing.
According to DCist, the provision excluding discipline from collective bargaining makes it “easier for officers to be fired” for alleged misconduct.
When the legislation was passed last year, Councilman Robert White claimed it would not compromise public safety but actually make the city safer. However, Gregg Pemberton, the chair of D.C.’s police union, criticized the measure and expressed concern about the increasing homicide numbers.
Pemberton has testified on Capitol Hill multiple times, highlighting how these reforms have hindered the effectiveness of the D.C. police department’s work.
The district’s legal system has also contributed to the challenges faced by officers by declining to prosecute many offenders. In 2022, the D.C. U.S. attorney’s office, appointed by President Biden, declined to prosecute 67 percent of cases that would have gone to trial in D.C. Superior Court. This percentage is nearly double the figure from 2015.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. His work has been featured in various outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
How does the 2020 violent crime rate in Washington, D.C. compare to the national average?
Violent crime rate that was well above the national average in 2020, with a 16% increase in homicides compared to the previous year.
The new legislation is seen as a necessary step towards addressing the surging crime in the city. By repealing certain police reforms, such as restrictions on the use of force, the city aims to provide law enforcement officers with the necessary tools to effectively combat crime. The re-criminalization of wearing masks while committing a crime is also a significant move, as it will help prevent criminals from concealing their identities while engaged in illegal activities.
Furthermore, the ACT Now Act includes measures to crack down on organized retail theft, a crime that has been increasingly rampant in Washington, D.C. By imposing stricter penalties for this offense, the legislation aims to deter individuals from engaging in organized retail theft and protect local businesses from financial losses.
Another notable provision of the ACT Now Act is the establishment of “drug-free zones” by the police chief. This initiative aims to reduce drug-related crimes by creating areas where drug offenses are met with enhanced penalties. By targeting specific areas known for drug-related activities, law enforcement can concentrate their efforts and effectively disrupt illicit drug markets.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s push for increased policing has been met with both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that a stronger police presence and tougher measures will help restore law and order in the city, making it a safer place for residents and businesses. On the other hand, critics argue that these measures may perpetuate systemic issues and disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
In response to the rising crime rates, Mayor Bowser has also proposed increasing the police budget to hire more officers and provide additional resources for crime prevention initiatives. This approach aims to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies and ensure they have the necessary support to effectively address the current crime wave.
The ACT Now Act represents a significant shift in the Democratic position on crime. While the party has traditionally advocated for criminal justice reforms and alternative approaches to punishment, the recent surge in crime rates has prompted a reevaluation of these policies. The focus is now on finding a balance between addressing social issues and maintaining public safety.
Washington, D.C. Democrats have recognized the urgency of the situation and are taking decisive action to address the rising crime rates. The introduction of the ACT Now Act reflects a commitment to protecting the well-being of the city’s residents and restoring law and order. Whether these measures will effectively curb crime in the long term remains to be seen, but they represent an important step towards addressing the immediate concerns and ensuring the safety of the nation’s capital.
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