D.C. Council prepares to take first vote on sweeping anti-crime legislation

[IronLionZion]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/02/03/dc-council-crime-public-safety-bill-drug-zones/

Gift Link: https://wapo.st/3SoQOpg



After the deadliest year in the nation’s capital in a quarter century, the D.C. Council will take an initial vote Tuesday on a mammoth public safety bill that includes dozens of changes to crime and punishment and policing laws, representing the council’s most definitive answer to date in the face of soaring violent crime.

The sweeping legislation would create new crimes such as “organized retail theft,” enhance punishment for illegal gun possession, revive a ’90s-era “anti-loitering drug free zone” tactic, greatly expand the collection of DNA in a law enforcement database and, after months of complaints from the D.C. police union, seek to undo or adjust a number of law enforcement accountability or transparency measures.

“This is an omnibus piece of legislation with comprehensive solutions,” said Council member Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), who wrote the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act. “And that’s why, taken as a whole, it’s going to improve safety and security for D.C. residents.”

Lawmakers have largely shown a united front in pushing the legislation, despite concerns a number of them have raised. Many oppose certain changes to the city’s police accountability laws, which passed after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. And some remain skeptical that certain provisions, such as drug-free zones, will actually reduce or deter crime, criticism that has boiled over among criminal justice advocates opposed to ratcheting up criminal punishment.

The liberal city council is in a sticky spot between wanting to tackle crime without racial injustice and police brutality. They want tougher penalties while acknowledging that many criminals don't know and don't care about the penalties. Crime is a nation-wide issue in many cities.