Local
Dozens of local police officers assigned to concierge duties
By: Bill Myers
Examiner Staff Writer
January 29, 2009
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| Police Chief Cathy Lanier (Greg Whitesell) |
Officers from D.C., along with Fairfax, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties were assigned to work the Major Cities Chiefs and Sheriffs conference at the JW Marriott Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Most of the officers came from the District. D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier wrote in a command memo obtained by The Examiner that she wanted “to ensure a safe and productive legislative conference.”
The D.C. officers’ and staffers’ assignments were “concierge desk,” “registration/credentialing/gift bags,” “companion tours,” “transportation,” “hotel security” and “K-9 sweep” during the four-day conference, which ended Wednesday.
D.C. police union Chairman Kris Baumann said the assignments were a waste of time and resources.
“I think it’s completely unacceptable that we have police officers acting as a bellboys and coat checks so the police chief can impress a bunch of her friends from out of town while people in this city live with one of the worst crime rates in the country,” Baumann told The Examiner on Wednesday.
In 2006-2008, D.C. saw back-to-back increases in homicides for the first time since 1989-1991.
Lanier didn’t respond to requests for comment. Her top assistant, Polly Hanson, who handed out the assignments, declined to comment.
The Examiner reported in December that D.C. fire department recruits had been assigned to act as waiters at parties sponsored by Councilman Jim Graham, D-Ward 1. Baumann said he’s afraid some city leaders look on rescue workers as servants.
“This is a culture that has to stop. Today,” Baumann said. “They [police and firefighters] should be out there learning their craft, saving the citizens. That’s it.”
