D.C. bill targets gropers and flashers on Metro

The District is considering a law that would make it easier for city police to arrest accused flashers and masturbators after an uproar over the frequency with which public transit riders say they are sexually harassed while using the system.

The legislation, proposed by D.C. Councilwoman Muriel Bowser, lowers the standard for police to arrest someone for indecent exposure and brings it in line with the standard in Maryland and Virginia. Proposed Tuesday by the Ward 4 legislator, who also serves on Metro’s board of directors, the bill would allow officers to arrest someone based on probable cause, meaning cops can respond to a call and make an arrest if there’s enough circumstantial evidence.