News

Graham Legislation Would Help Police Prevent Crime in "Hot Spot" Areas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alan Heymann
(202) 727-8229

Washington, DC - Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) today introduced legislation to create no-loitering zones in certain high-crime areas of the District of Columbia.

Under current District law, police who reasonably believe drug activity is taking place or is about to take place can order loiterers to disperse from an area known as a “drug free zone.” The Chief can declare such a zone temporarily in areas where drug crimes frequently occur.

The Graham legislation would give police the same ability in areas designated by the Chief as “hot spots.” Hot spots are high-crime areas that receive increased, concentrated police attention and city services. There are currently three Ward One hot spots designated by the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.

“We simply cannot have residents afraid to leave their apartment buildings and houses at night,” said Councilmember Graham. “This bill would give police the ability to break up drug activity before it happens and restore order to our streets and sidewalks.”

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