Stung by congressional criticism that it’s not doing enough to protect tourists on the Mall, the U.S. Capitol Police stepped up patrols Friday night.
D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton prompted — and took credit for — the change, which will put more police on the nation’s front yard for longer hours.
Norton said she met with the Capitol and U.S. Park Police officials Friday and was assured that there will be additional officers from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. The patrols will concentrate on the blocks between Third and Seventh streets, Norton said Friday.
The delegate pulled a surprise “inspection” Thursday and said she was shocked to discover that police hadn’t yet increased their presence — as they had promised her.
She attributed the delay to bureaucratic bungling. Nonetheless, Norton said she has full confidence in the police leadership.
D.C. is in the midst of its fourth crime emergency in eight years. Critics say the myriad law enforcement agencies in the capital haven’t done a good enough job of coordinating their efforts.
Norton agreed.
“We’ve got [30] police agencies in D.C.,” she said. “Why is crime so high?”
