Local
Police say crime not a factor so far
By: Scott McCabe
Examiner Staff Writer
January 20, 2009
The crush of people in town for the inauguration and the extension of late-night hours for D.C. bars have not resulted in a cocktail of crime, according to law enforcement officials.
There were no arrests or unusual incidents relating to the party-like inaugural atmosphere over the weekend, D.C. spokeswoman Traci Hughes said.
“It’s pretty quiet, actually,” Hughes said. “The police department has been preparing for this for a long time, and the people have been on their best behavior, so far.”
Since Friday, more than 4,000 uniformed police officers have been patrolling the streets in 12-hour shifts, which will continue through Wednesday evening because of an anti-abortion rally. Today, more than 23,000 law enforcement officers and military personnel will provide security for inauguration events. Another 18,000 military troops will be camped out throughout the city.
In 2001 and 2005, dozens of protesters were arrested around the District. On the night of President Bush’s second inauguration, police clad in riot gear arrested about 65 people for allegedly parading without a permit in Adams Morgan. A federal judge ruled last year that the arrests were unlawful.
D.C. Councilman Jim Graham, who voted against the extension of drinking hours because of security concerns, checked out some of the bars and restaurants along 14th Street NW in Ward 1 this weekend. All the places he saw were full to capacity, and some were so packed the councilman couldn’t get in.
But the revelers he encountered were well-behaved, matching the feedback he received from his police sources.
“I think everybody is in a very good frame of mind,” Graham said.
U.S. Park Police spokesman Sgt. Robert LaChance said his department has not made any inauguration-related arrests, and Sunday’s concert on the National Mall went smoothly.
“Everyone is enjoying themselves and being courteous,” LaChance said.
About 20 percent of the more than 1,000 bar, nightclub and restaurant businesses in the city registered for the extended hours.
At least 213 D.C. bars, restaurants and nightclubs were registered to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. and serve food all night long during inauguration week. Alcohol sales usually end at 3 a.m. on weekends and 2 a.m. on weekdays.
There were no arrests or unusual incidents relating to the party-like inaugural atmosphere over the weekend, D.C. spokeswoman Traci Hughes said.
“It’s pretty quiet, actually,” Hughes said. “The police department has been preparing for this for a long time, and the people have been on their best behavior, so far.”
Since Friday, more than 4,000 uniformed police officers have been patrolling the streets in 12-hour shifts, which will continue through Wednesday evening because of an anti-abortion rally. Today, more than 23,000 law enforcement officers and military personnel will provide security for inauguration events. Another 18,000 military troops will be camped out throughout the city.
In 2001 and 2005, dozens of protesters were arrested around the District. On the night of President Bush’s second inauguration, police clad in riot gear arrested about 65 people for allegedly parading without a permit in Adams Morgan. A federal judge ruled last year that the arrests were unlawful.
D.C. Councilman Jim Graham, who voted against the extension of drinking hours because of security concerns, checked out some of the bars and restaurants along 14th Street NW in Ward 1 this weekend. All the places he saw were full to capacity, and some were so packed the councilman couldn’t get in.
But the revelers he encountered were well-behaved, matching the feedback he received from his police sources.
“I think everybody is in a very good frame of mind,” Graham said.
U.S. Park Police spokesman Sgt. Robert LaChance said his department has not made any inauguration-related arrests, and Sunday’s concert on the National Mall went smoothly.
“Everyone is enjoying themselves and being courteous,” LaChance said.
About 20 percent of the more than 1,000 bar, nightclub and restaurant businesses in the city registered for the extended hours.
At least 213 D.C. bars, restaurants and nightclubs were registered to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. and serve food all night long during inauguration week. Alcohol sales usually end at 3 a.m. on weekends and 2 a.m. on weekdays.
