District of Columbia residents, commuters and business owners can voice their opinions about crime and the police department through a survey commissioned by the police chief.
The questionnaire will identify ways to reduce crime by establishing “customized community policing” strategies, a centerpiece of Mayor Adrian Fenty’s policing plan.
Fenty and Acting Police Chief Cathy Lanier vowed to unveil new strategies by April. They hope to reduce crime without resorting to declaring costly crime emergencies used by their predecessors. Last year, the District had its fewest homicides in 21 years, but D.C. police officers had to work six-day weeks, which cost the city millions of dollars in overtime.
Lanier has sought ideas from the rank-and-file and charged her top command with coming up with new strategies for reducing crime and increasing the visibility of the Metropolitan police officers. Now, she’s asking for help suggestions from the community.
The 70-question, two-page survey includes four sections and a space for comments.
One section focuses on crime priorities. The survey-taker can indicate whether crimes like drug-dealing, abandoned cars or shootings are “Big problems,” “Some problem” or “No problem.”
In another section, the survey-takers can express how safe they feel in their home or in different parts of the city.
Participants can also give their impressions of the D.C. police. Participants can agree or disagree with statements such as, “Overall, I’m satisfied with police services,” and “I think having non-emergency lights flashing during routine patrol is helpful.”
A fourth section asks how familiar the respondent is with the police and the community.
People can complete a survey online at www.mpdc.dc.gov/communitysurvey. They can also pick up a survey from a police station or public library. Online forms must be completed by March 14, which is the date printed forms must be returned.
