Below are some items that came out of the 2D CAC meeting this past Wednesday.
 
 

THEFT FROM AUTO

This is the problem flavor of the month. Has been for some time. Don't leave
items visible in the car. This includes CDs which can easily be turned in for
cash, no questioned asked, at the store in Tenleytown.  2D Lieutenants Carter
and White are doing an analysis of the theft from auto problem in 2D.
Apparently it's a tough crime for making arrests and prosecution. One more
instance where some crimes seem to pay.
 
 

WANTED POSTERS AND POLICE IMPERSONATORS

Some wanted posters  are now going up on the MPD Web Site.  There are two
scammers who are posing as D.C. Police detectives in 4D.  There's nothing
stopping them from showing up here. They call ahead, show a badge, get
inside, and trick people out of money with some story.  One suspect is a
black male, tall, 40's - 50's, medium to dark complexion with moles on his
cheeks. The other is a white male, tall, thin face 30's - 40's, short black
hair, skinny.

Legitimate police detectives will never ask you for money, for any reason. If
you get a call from a detective, asking to come and talk to you, you can
verify such an individual by calling the 2D detectives at 282-0044 and
asking, when the detective arrives, to see his ID and picture. If you aren't
satisfied, don't let him in. Call the Detectives Office and ask that he be
accompanied to the door by a uniformed officer.

If you come into contact with these two scammers, call Detective Vince Tucci
at the Financial Crimes and Fraud Unit (202) 727-4159.

Remember that there are a lot of scams out here, including some from people
who claim to be in law enforcement. Telephone fraud is a big money-maker for
crooks.
 
 

MAYOR AND VAGRANTS / HOMELESS TASK FORCE

I just learned that the Mayor has a task force going on vagrancy and homeless
issues. Anyone know anything about this?  Under the present laws, there
doesn't appear to be anything that anyone can do to get rid of the vagrants
unless they engage in aggressive panhandling or are a danger to others or
themselves.

It's not healthy to have them on the street, possibly carrying infectious
diseases and/or free to roam the 'Hood and commit thefts and other crimes.
 
 

US ATTORNEY WILMA  LEWIS

Ms. Lewis gave a very interesting talk and conducted a Q&A that went on as
long as anyone had questions.  Michael Stern from the Corporation Counsel
also spoke and answered questions. A number of Assistant U.S. Attorneys were
present and there was a wide range of topics addressed.

Major players in Community Prosecution for PSA 202 are:
Charlene Graves -- Community Outreach Specialist -- 282-0583
Heidi Pasichow -- Chief, Major Crimes Section -- 307-9999
Richard Tischner -- Grand Jury Section -- 514-7642
John Irving -- Misdemeanors -- 514-7696

Several questions concerned the proposed marijuana legislation. Ms. Lewis
emphasized that the issue is bringing the District into line with the
surrounding states so that DC does not become the gathering pit for buying
and selling marijuana. Apparently the gang activity for this drug is getting
to be every bit as ferocious as for Crack. She emphasized that mere
possession and possible future medical use are not part of the proposed
legislation.

One member of the audience said he was concerned about so many young black
males going to prison. Ms. Lewis agreed that was a problem but said that she
was even more concerned about the residents who were frightened and felt
trapped in their homes because of the drug activity on their streets, and the
violence travelling with it.

In answer to one general question regarding what charges are brought, for any
arrest, she said that the prosecutor must believe that each element of the
crime can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt before they proceed with
prosecution. They may not have all the facts at the beginning but they must
believe they have the kernels of truth, she said. In other words, unless a
case is pretty solid, it doesn't move.

Some reasons were given as to why charges are pled down to lesser changes.
Sometimes it enables the AUSA to get a one day bench trial before a judge
that will probably result in a conviction instead of a three or more day jury
trail that has a serious chance of not getting a conviction.  Sometimes a
lesser charge will result in some jail time, if even just a few months,
whereas a more serious charge is likely to result in immediate parole with
the defendant back on the street.

Apparently the law is full of these arcane little twists that are not obvious
to the uninitiated citizen. Over time, I hope, with the help of various
AUSAs,  to learn more of them and share them with you.

The US Attorney now has a web site - www.usdoj.gov/usao/dc