Community Activists Want Police to Live in District

March 12, 2006 - 1:12pm

WASHINGTON - Crime is a big problem in certain neighborhoods in the District, and some members of the community say those who break the law might shy away from certain areas if police officers lived in the neighborhoods they patrol.

Members of grassroots organizations, like the Brookland Civic Association, say police officers who live outside of the District often don't pay attention to what goes on in certain neighborhoods.

"They take little interest or concern in the city unless there's a major crime or a major wave of crime," says Robert Artisst, with the Brookland Civic Association.

Councilman Phil Mendelson says D.C. does not require police officers to live in the city, but does offer incentives in hopes of luring more cops to live in the communities where they work.

The incentives for officers who live in the District include the ability to take home a squad car and tax breaks.

Mendelson says the incentives are great, but overall hiring good officers is what's most important.

Members of grassroots organizations, like the Brookland Civic Association, say police officers who live outside of the District often don't pay attention to what goes on in certain neighborhoods.

"They take little interest or concern in the city unless there's a major crime or a major wave of crime," says Robert Artisst, with the Brookland Civic Association.

Councilman Phil Mendelson says D.C. does not require police officers to live in the city, but does offer incentives in hopes of luring more cops to live in the communities where they work.

The incentives for officers who live in the District include the ability to take home a squad car and tax breaks.

Mendelson says the incentives are great, but overall hiring good officers is what's most important.

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