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The best defense is an aggressive offense, as shown in a report prepared by the DowntownDC BID in December 2010, revealing how crime in Downtown DC declined from an average of 7.4 crimes a day to 3.2 (revised) between 1999 and 2010. During that period, the area had a total of 12 homicides, with zero recorded in 1999, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010. This year, however, the DowntownDC BID area had one homicide in the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue—the first since 2008. We’re relieved to report that case is now closed. Last week, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch made an arrest in the death of a 56-year-old woman.
The data show as the 14-year-old BID has strengthened it partnerships with public safety officials and property managers and increased the presence of its Downtown SAMs, overall crime has dropped 48%, from 2,684 in 1999 to an estimated 1,396 in 2010, based on MPD crime statistics. While crime has dropped in half, use of the area has increased. In addition, as crime has dropped, people’s perceptions of Downtown DC have improved. And perception is everything. It plays a critical role in the choices that people make, including their decision to live, work and play in the DowntownDC BID area.
“Kudos to the MPD for a job well done in apprehending the suspect who perpetuated the August homicide,” said Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the DowntownDC BID. “Their work makes Downtown DC safe and refocuses attention on the quality of public spaces to create remarkable urban experiences.”
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