A few weeks ago (coincidently right before the gas station shooting) I did an interview with the Washington Post on MPD's former program, 'All Hands on Deck.' Despite the latest shooting in Congress Heights (which did not occur during an AHOD) I still support the 'All Hands On Deck' program. I liked having it in my neighborhood, even if it was purely symbolic (which I don't think it was).  Hopefully some compromise can be made to bring more police to the streets.

Best of all if it wasn't for an AHOD I would have never had the opportunity to get to know the police who patrol my neighborhood, including the very awesome and very dedicated Assistant Chief Diane Groomes.  I just love that lady, and one of my fondest memories is of seeing her and about 25 other officers from 7D patrol my streets during a particularly gnarly weekend of crime a few years ago.

It's hard to prove a negative (that crime was deterred) but I can't deny my positive feelings in seeing the police on the streets in force, even temporarily.

Go HERE to read the full Washington Post article.

Excerpt:

The opinions of residents, however, are less frequently heard. In interviews, residents across the city expressed a range of opinions over its effectiveness. 

“It emboldens the community to do what they were already doing — report crime, be vigilant and contribute to a safe atmosphere,” said Peele, a Congress Heights condo owner and  blogger  . 

“I don’t believe that [All Hands on Deck] is all that effective in targeting criminals,” said Moulton, president of the  Convention Center Community Association. “Even the most marginally intelligent criminal, when they see a police officer, will walk away.”