SEARS/HECHINGER BUILDING
There have been some significant and very positive developments in this
area. I suspect that the Northwest Current will cover it in tomorrow's
issue. If they don't,  I'll discuss it in the next issue of COMMUNIT-E.
 
 

COMMANDER NEWSHAM REPLIES  (to my letter to him in September 10 issue)
From:  MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com (Commander Peter Newsham)

It is very difficult to comment on an unsubstantiated allegation, but I
will do my best.

We clearly do not condone the described behavior by any of our
officers.  However, in order for us to take action on this type of
behavior, we have to substantiate it through investigation.  It is
easiest for us to investigate when the complainant can identify the
officer (name, badge number, description, vehicle number or other
identifier), and when the complainant can identify witnesses with names
and contact information.

We understand that there are not always witnesses, and we also
understand that it is not always easy to identify the officer.  These
are recommendations and suggestions.

Also, we cannot always substantiate every complaint, but we do track the
number of complaints that officers receive, and if a pattern develops
with a particular officer, we can substantiate a complaint based on a
pattern of reported behavior.

I suppose what I am trying to say is that even if a complaint is not
sustained, it serves a purpose in putting an officer on notice, and it
is filed for future reference.  We encourage you to come forward.

We will contact this particular writer based on this E-mail, and if the
complaint can be substantiated, the officer involved will be
disciplined.

For those who do not feel comfortable with the Metropolitan Police
conducting an investigation on their own members, there is an
independent agency that will investigate your complaint.
 
The Citizen Complaint center can be contacted on (202) 727-3838 or
visited at 730 11th Street, NW (Suite 600).

I hope this has been helpful.

Commander Peter Newsham
 
 
 

SOME ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON REPORT TAKING AND ON OFFICER MISCONDUCT --
KS

I would like to thank Commander Newsham for his prompt response to my
letter. I agree with him that the more information that can be given
about an officer, particularly the name of the officer, the easier it is
for the incident to be investigated.

However, since all radio runs are recorded, including the officer's
communications with the dispatcher, the police can track down an
offending officer. After all, this is an organization that performs
investigations,  and it records most aspects of its calls for police
and radio runs. In this particular case there should be no problem in
identifying the officer because he did take a report, which he and a
supervisor signed.

In the future,  the important thing to remember is  that if you are
uncomfortable with the way that an officer has handled a situation, the
best time to deal with that concern is right then, when the officer is
still on the street and easily available to his or her supervisors.
After all, in this and most other cases, your concern is that something
(e.g. report taking) be done. You don't really care who in the MPD does
it.

Here are some ways to reach a police supervisor. I don't know which will
work best, but they all lead to the same place.
1.)  Call Police Communications (311) and say that you need to speak to
the "Second District Watch Commander" or other 2D official  about  a
police officer who just came to your house.  If the  Communications call
taker is not responsive, ask to speak to a communications supervisor and
make the same request. If you still have difficulty, the Communications
Supervisor's number is 671-2872.

2.) Another approach is to call the 2D desk at 282-0070 and make the
same request. They may give you an additional number to call. There is
always a "Watch Commander" on duty at each District.

3.)  If these don't work, call, in this order: 282-0038 (for PSA
sergeant or lieutenant) or 282-0032 (captains), 282-0042 (2D
commander).  What you want to do is talk to a sergeant (or higher rank
if the sergeant can't be reached) to resolve your problem with the
responding officer, or to get someone to take your report.

This particular incident, where an officer tried to talk a resident out
of making a report, hit a nerve with me because a report is the primary
way to get an incident to police attention, alert them to a possible
trend, and alert residents that something has happened via their crime
analysis reports.  Not all incidents are written up, especially if the
officer has reason to believe that a resident is fabricating a
situation. However, it is up to the police supervisor to resolve a
dispute between an officer and a resident, and determine if a matter
warrants a report.

Again, I thank Commander Newsham for his prompt response, and Captain
Anthony Poteat for also getting involved by contacting the resident who
brought the complaint. It reassures me that 2D officials are making sure
that crimes are properly reported.
 
 

CRIME IN THE 'HOOD,  August 1 to September 9
Please note: All crime locations are the 100 block of  a particular
block, not the actual address.

ROBBERY
5300 Wisconsin, gun, 9/8, 0345, garage
4200 Wisconsin, attempt, 8/30, 0926, bank
ASSAULT
4000 Albemarle, knife, 8/7, 1430, sidewalk, closed
BURGLARY
3800 Alton, 8/24, house
4900 Wisconsin, 8/22, restaurant
4300 Davenport, 8/10, house
4900 Wisconsin, 8/5, retail store
4400 Grant, 8/27, house
4100 Jenifer, 8/8, house
5200 Wisconsin, 8/9, liquor store
4200 Wisconsin, 9/1, restaurant
4000 Garrison, 9/9, house
THEFT --  23  (6 closed)
THEFT FROM AUTO
3700 Nebraska, 8/16
5300 Wisconsin, 8/27
3700 Chesapeake, 8/20
4500 42nd St., 8/31
4900 Albemarle, 8/9
4500 Burlington, 8/9
5200 Wisconsin, 8/29
5100 Wisconsin, 9/4
3800 45th, 9/6
4600 44th, 9/1
STOLEN AUTO
4500 Wisconsin, 8/21, garage
4400 Nebraska, 8/31, parking lot
4900 Wisconsin, 8/28, street
4800 Brandywine, 9/3, street
4500 Van Ness, attempt, 9/7, street
SIMPLE ASSAULT
5300 Western, 8/16, street
4500 Wisconsin, 8/5, carryout
THREATS -- 5200 Wisconsin, 9/8, sidewalk, closed
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
4100 Chesapeake, 8/16, yard
4300 Nebraska, 8/2, parking lot
5200 45th, 9/4, street
4500 47th, 8/8, street
3700 Albemarle, 9/5, yard
4300 Van Ness, 8/27, street
DRUG -- Marijuana, 4300 Nebraska, 8/21, street, closed
UTTERING -- 5300 Wisconsin, 8/21, department store, closed
UNLAWFUL ENTRY DISORDER --  5300 Wisconsin, 8/5, retail store
 
 
 

OTHER INCIDENTS

**** From: "eric" <emlebson@tdinternational.com> (Eric Lebson)
We live at the corner of 45th & Garrison and at 10:10pm on Sunday,
September 17th, I was watching TV and the dog jumped up at the front
window.  My fiancee went to the window to see what it was and observed
an older model gray Cadillac-type car with the motor running and its
lights off.  Just as her head came into view from outside, the car
started beeping its horn like a car alarm.  She then saw a young black
male running full speed from the area of Faraday & 45th past the car
toward the intersection of 45th & Garrison -- he appeared to be holding
a lit flashlight.  The car sped around the corner onto Garrison,
possibly picking him up, and then actually backed onto 45th to take a
quick look around before speeding down 45th toward Military road.  I
called 311 (because they were no longer there) and reported it.  They
said they would send a car so I stayed up until 11:30pm, but none came.

I'm writing because we have the distinct impression that we witnessed,
and hopefully interrupted, another of the break-ins that you have
written about -- exactly matching the vehicle description that you cited
in your 9/10 e-mail ("older model, large, silver or grey, American
car").  I'm interested to know on what day of the week and at what time
of the day all of the other break-ins or muggings occurred.  I'm also
interested to know why, if this has happened several times over a period
of time, the police do not appear to consider it a priority.
 

**** From: Abauer4600@aol.com (Amy Bauer)
Here's some good news with the cops.  I was at my mother's this
afternoon cleaning out the basement as my father passed away this
summer.  4400 block Brandywine St.
I saw a young black male 15 -19, with a cast on his arm looking into
each backyard as he walked down the alley.  He saw me looking at him and
continued down the block, continuously looking over his shoulder at me.
I phoned my husband at home at told him to watch out and when I gave him
the description - cast on arm- he told me that it was the same guy he
watched ride a "too small" bike up Albemarle Street yesterday.  I then
called 311 to ask that the cops be on the look out and within minutes at
least two patrols were in the alleys - one of them stopping to talk with
me.  Apparently someone else also called this in so i guess it helps to
have multiple complaints. The policeman that showed up was very
professional and courteous - took the info- and drove off to patrol with
the other policeman.

Hopefully the guy was run out of this neighborhood just knowing that we
are watching and that the cops will respond if enough people call.
 
 
 

BEWARE OF SCAMS RELATING TO LAST TUESDAY'S DISASTER
Crooks have no shame. Some  are trying to bilk money from people on the
pretense of collecting for the disaster victims. The best way to avoid
them is to not give any money to anyone who approaches you for a
donation. Do not, ever for any reason, give out your credit card number
to a "charity" that initiates the call to you.

If you would like to give something, make sure that you initiate the
contact to the charity. There are plenty of good ones around. Page E12
of  Today's (Tuesday, September 18) Washington Post lists two that the
Post supports.

Some recommended by residents are:

**** From: Mary McComb <maryemc@yahoo.com>
Do you know if there is anything being done to help the school children
whose classmates and teachers were killed in the plane that hit the
Pentagon?  I would love to be able to do something for the ones left
behind.

******** From: "Figuli, Samuel" <sfiguli@hgl.com>
For those who haven't yet figured out what to do with their Federal tax
rebate check, I think that donating all or part to the firemen, police,
& rescue workers, and victim's families for the Pentagon and/or WTC
would be a worthy cause.

****From:  journalist@mindspring.com
If, like me, you've been wondering what you can do to help, you might
consider options available on a few websites:

For the courageous Firefighters working in NYC and DC and their
families:
http://www.firehouse.com or http://www.iaff.org>>

The American Red Cross provides tremendous support for the victims,
survivors, and their families: http://www.redcross.org>>

**** From:"Linda Hughes" <lindahughes@mris.com>
New York firefighters have their own Hero's fund known as NYFD Widows
and Children's Fund.  To send a donation:

Widows and Children's Fund
c/o Uniformed Firefighters Association
204 East 23rd Street
NY, NY  10010
or call UFA office at (212) 683-4832

**** From: NancyLeRoy@aol.com
I just sent a check to the International Association of Firefighters for
disaster relief, which is earmarked for families.  I think the address
is 1750 New York Ave, but better look it up in the phone book.

**** From: "JANICE FITZGERALD" <janfitz@starpower.net>
There was an announcement on the CNN News Broadcast regarding a way to
help the NYC WTC victims. The number they gave is 800 801 8092. I called
and they gave an address for donations: NY State World Trade Center
Relief Fund PO Box 5028 Albany, NY 12205.

**** From: Mmuzzatti@aol.com (Marcello Muzzatti)
Here is an address that members might want to check out.  New York State
Fraternal Order of Police Empire State Lodge they have a fund also.  I
have been working 12 hour plus shifts.  I went to the Pentagon and you
would not believe the people and equipment that has been set up.  It is
a site.  Talk to you later

**** From: "Donna Gregory" <donnagregory77@hotmail.com>
The United Way of New York and the New York Community Trust have
established
a fund to help the victims of the attacks and their families.  The
September Eleventh Fund will provide immediate support to established
emergency assistance agencies.  Anyone wishing to contribute may send
their donation in care of, United Way, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
or call 212-251-4035.

Also if you are aware of nearby sites to give blood would you mind
posting them in your next communication?

**** From:  Ann Loikow <johnl@erols.com>
Here is the URL for the fund for the firefighters in NYC.
http://ufalocal94.org/

**** From: "Judith E. Peabody" <judypeab@erols.com>
For those who may wish to express their support for families and
appreciation for the heroic efforts of the NYC Police and Fire Depts.,
Americares has established a HEROES' FUND, www.Americares.org,
Americares 161 Cherry St., New Canaan,CT 06840
 
 
 

SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUALS IN THE 'HOOD

**** From: Melinda_Beard@tax.org
I live on 42nd st near  Fessenden.  The other day, one of my elderly
neighbors
saw a man go into the alley behind his house taking pictures.  My
neighbor asked
him what he was doing and he replied, "none of your damn business."  The
man
then crossed the street and headed down the alley behind my house. Has
anyone else seen such a person snapping photos?

****  From: "Carolyn Long" <carolynlong@earthlink.net>
 My suspicious character turned out to be suspicious indeed. Thanks so
much for passing the information on to Detective Neil Jones. He asked me
to come down to the station last night to look at a picture of a guy
they'd just arrested breaking into a house on Woodley Road. It was the
SAME MAN who knocked on my door, once on August 24 and again on
September 10, asking for yard work. His name is Mike Smith. Det. Jones
now might be able to connect him to the burglary of my neighbor's house
in the 3800 block of Alton Place. Maybe you should announce to your
readers that Det. Jones wants to hear about anybody walking around the
neighborhood on weekdays, when most people aren't home, looking in
houses, knocking on doors, or asking for work, because they are probably
up to no good.
 
Note: Det. Neil Jones can be reached on 282-0044 or at
NWJ2813@mailcity.com -- KS
 
 

MORE ON "AUTOLOCKS' FOR CARS
From: Abauer4600@aol.com (Amy Bauer)
Someone in your newsletter mentioned the AutoLock which is much more
effective than the Club.  Some of the firemen are using the AutoLock and
have told me that they are extremely difficult to get through. Here is
the phone number:  1-800-749-3399.  I ordered mine today.
 
 

WHERE ARE THE BUGLES?
From: "Elissa Blake Free" <elissabill@erols.com>
Question for AU park communit-e readers: has anyone else heard taps
being played some nights around 9:30 and patriotic music in the mornings
around 8? Any idea where it's coming from and why?
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: "Harrison, Barbara" <Barbara.Harrison@usdoj.gov>
Does anyone have a termite service to recommend?  Our contractor found
one place with termites in a six-unit building, attached to another
building on one side.  I would appreciate any recommendations (or
dissuasions!).  reply to: barbaraemma1@msn.com

**** From:  LCRosenman@aol.com
Nordic Track free to anyone who would like to come and pick it up.  If
you are interested please respond to lcroenman@aol.com.

**** From: Bkravetz@aol.com
In response to Lorie Leavy's request for an architect --- I would highly
recommend Bill Feeney --- an AU Park resident (45th & Chesapeake
Streets) and fabulous guy!  I have used him for two projects (one really
major one) and he is great to work with.  I have also recommended him to
many other people in the area.  He can be reached at 202-537-0397
--------
The Washington Humane Society needs volunteers --- to help with the
animals in the shelter and also for home visits.  Contact Jim Mosma at
202-723-2071 ext 4.

Also, if you are interested in adopting a pet, check out the Washington
Humane Society web site to view the adorable and the darling!
www.washhumane.org

****  From: Jcapper@worldbank.org
From: Joanne Capper (jcapper@worldbank.org)
Am looking for clean, secure storage space - about the size of a large
sofa. Will pay.
Call Joanne at 202-537-1620
Also,
For sale:
-- Charming, antique (looking) French country pine day bed with new blue
and yellow
print pillows.  Great for guests and watching TV.  Excellent condition
and very attractive.  $750
-- Antique carved teak king-sized bed headboard.  A beautiful piece from
a traditional Indonesian Javanese house. $900
-- Plantation chair - teak and cane.  Very attractive, dramatic,
tropical look. $200.
Call Joanne at 202-537-1620

**** From: "Asher Epstein" <ashman@silentfrog.com>
Looking for someone to help rake the leaves this fall? Do you need
someone to walk your dog or help with other odd jobs around the house?

SilentFrog can help. (www.silentfrog.com) We can connect you with local
individuals that are interested in working for you. Check out our
article in the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2033-2001Sep9.html
Or feel free to contact Asher Epstein of Friendship Heights
(301-529-7124/ ashman@silentfrog.com)  if you have any questions.