10 Things You Can Do Right Now to Fight Crime

Over the years I've become familiar with the types of crimes that are common in our area. Here are 10 ideas that I hope will be useful. Please send your feedback, your ideas on how to fight crime, and your personal stories: nwchca@gmail.com

1. Don't make yourself an easy target for crimes
For our own good, it's important to follow tried-and-true crime prevention tips. Crimes that are on the rise in our area are thefts-from-autos, robberies, and auto thefts. Home burglaries are always prevalent.
  • To avoid being robbed, avoid walking alone, especially late at night. Stay on main roads where there are lots of people.  As much as possible, don't carry or display items attractive to thieves. Cell phones and iPods, in addition to watches, wallets and cash, are reported stolen often. Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid walking while talking on a cell phone--criminals often target victims who appear distracted.

  • To avoid having your car broken into, never leave anything of value in plain view--use the trunk or the glove box. Be sure that GPS devices, laptop computers, purses, backpacks, cell phones, cameras, iPods, coats, sunglasses, and even spare change are out of sight. If possible, put valuables in the trunk before you arrive at your final destination so that watching thieves won't see.

  • To avoid home burglaries, remember to take all the usual precautions (sturdy locks for doors and windows, alarm systems, etc.) Use extra security measures when you're on vacation.
2. Report every crime with a 911 call
Call 911 to report all crimes against property, public disturbances, suspicious activity, and other more serious crimes. Calls to 911 are tracked and if our area has more calls and reports, more MPD resources will be devoted to our area. The number to call for police to be dispatched is 911, not 311.  Based on DC's change in policy in January 2008, any time you want police to respond, call 911, even if it's not an emergency; the 911 operators prioritize the calls.
 
3. Before calling 911, get your facts straight
Communications with the MPD can be improved if we keep a few guidelines in mind. Be prepared to supply the following information to the 911 dispatcher; write it down before calling if possible. Remember to stay calm, and be prepared to repeat the information if needed. If you can't get all the information, get as much as you can, but still place the call.
  • Nature of Complaint: Be prepared to name the crime that you are reporting. In addition to more serious and violent crimes such as robbery or assault, "suspicious activity" is a valid complaint for requesting a police response. Report "suspicious activity" when people are standing on the street at odd hours, perhaps selling drugs, even if you don't witness an actual sale of drugs. "Suspicious activity" can describe any unusual activity that appears to be criminal. Noise and public disturbance are other good descriptions for behaviors that require a police response. Public drinking, public urination and public drunkenness are also reasons to call the police.

  • Description of suspects: how many, and for each, age, race, height, description of clothing & shoes, any other information that you can supply: (example: [race and complexion], about 30 years old, short hair, moustache, tattoos on neck, 6'1", 200 pounds, blue jeans, black jacket, red shirt, white sneakers, black baseball cap)
     
  • Description of car: (make, model, color, license plate number, year, condition or distinguishing characteristics)
     
  • Location and direction: Give a street address or an intersection. If the suspect is moving, give the direction, for example, northwest corner of 14th Street and Meridian Place NW, traveling east on foot
     
  • Time and observations: If the complaint includes a chain of events that happened over time, please be prepared to give the timeframe for each event
  • When you call 911, give your name and phone number and agree to be "interviewed" (called back) by the police. Often the police need additional information. If you don't leave your name and phone number, it gives the wrong impression to the police, like you're not really committed to resolving the issue. The police will sometimes behave accordingly.

  • If you are the victim of a crime or a witness, be prepared to cooperate fully with the police and prosecutors.

4. Become a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain
Through Neighborhood Watch, we will take back our neighborhoods one block at a time. Criminals are no match for an concerned network of active neighbors. Crime wouldn't stand a chance if there were a Block Captain on every block in Columbia Heights. To find out when the next Block Captains training is, or to request more information, please contact NWCHCA.

5. Get more involved in the community
Find ways to do community service and become more active in community affairs. When we neighbors are visible and aware, those engaging in criminal activity are at a disadvantage. Spend time doing community service and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

6. Participate in Criminal Case Tracking & Other Criminal Justice Matters
Write community impact statements to let judges know how crime in your neighborhood affects you and your family. Visit the courts to observe trial proceedings. Become familiar with the repeat offenders in your neighborhood and report violations of release conditions to the police. Do your Jury Duty service.

7. Join NWCHCA
There is strength in numbers! Help the Northwest Columbia Heights Community Association increase its size and strength by becoming a member. Members get to know each other better, make contact with problem-solving resources and stand stronger together against common problems.

8. Sign up for the 3D/3D-Substation Yahoo Listserve
Follow the instructions under "Join a 3D Listserv" on the MPD 3D website. Become more aware and involved by reading e-mail reports on crimes, arrests, and other community news.

9. Attend MPD PSA Monthly Community Meetings
MPD PSA meetings are a great opportunity to get to know police officers and discuss our concerns face-to-face. Please visit the MPD Website's Calendar to find out when and where the next PSA meeting will be. 

10. Attend Monthly Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings
The ANC represents its constituents in matters of public safety. Please attend meetings regularly, keep in touch with your Commissioner, and raise public safety concerns. To find out when and where your ANC meetings are, please check the ANC calendar. (Scroll down and click the link for your ANC).