— Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced today Phase IV of All Hands on Deck (AHOD) 2008, which began at 6 am Friday, November 21, and continues through 6 am on Sunday, November 23, 2008. This AHOD will be a city-wide effort involving various DC government agencies including the Department of Human Services, Department of Public Works, and the Department of Employment Services among agencies. By incorporating the services of other agencies, this AHOD initiative will extend beyond policing and serve as an aggressive collaborative effort to address the numerous needs of communities throughout the city. “It is important that officers in the District are visible and accessible in the community to protect residents and visitors all year round,” said Mayor Fenty. “The AHOD initiative continues to be a success because of the great work by MPD Chief Lanier and the dedication of the District’s police officers.”

During AHOD, all available sworn MPD personnel are on patrol throughout the District emphasizing community policing, focused law enforcement and community outreach. This includes increased foot beats, homicide detectives following up with victims, and recruits passing out specific crime related information. The AHOD initiative is part of the Metropolitan Police Department’s larger effort to improve public safety by encouraging greater communication with residents. “During our past AHODs community members have welcomed the increased police presence,” said Chief Lanier. “We not only want to remain visible, we also want the community to continue to feel comfortable reaching out to us. We realize that our world is changing through the use of technology and we want to continue to be accessible.”

Officers will hand out literature promoting a new initiative called “No Shots Fired,” which encourages youth to have a peaceful gunfire-free weekend. MPD members will also encourage residents to use various tip lines to contact police if they have information about crimes. The Metropolitan Police Department offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any unsolved homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

The MPD is reminding residents, or anyone else who may know of a robbery that occurred in the District, that the MPD offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for any armed robbery or a robbery that results in serious bodily injury. Anyone who has information about a crime may call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM[E]. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

The MPD is also working with Crime Solvers. Through the DC Crime Solver’s program, individuals who provide information that leads to an arrest and indictment in a robbery or other serious crime may receive a reward of up to $1,000 by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. During AHOD Phase III in August, MPD officers made 444 arrests and recovered 16 firearms. There were no homicides during AHOD Phase III. The final phase of AHOD 2008 is scheduled for December 18, 19, and 20.