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Safety and Hospitality

The most visible element of the Safety and Hospitality program is the Downtown SAMs, highly trained men and women in red, white and blue uniforms that provide a reassuring presence on the streets and assist visitors. SAMs patrol Downtown daily focusing on the busiest pedestrian areas and special events. They serve as "eyes and ears" for local law enforcement agencies and are radio-equipped for instant reporting. Through high visibility and consistent coverage, they provide effective crime deterrence, warm hospitality, timely information and emergency response. Linked by radio to a central dispatch station, where computerized information is available on all local businesses, restaurants, attractions and services, SAMs offer a roving concierge service, assisting visitors, residents and workers with maps, directions and information on shopping, dining, transportation and more.

During spring and summer, some SAMs can be found under the bright red and white umbrellas mark that hospitality kiosks placed near Metro entrances and other busy attractions.

SAM At-Your-Side Service

Working late? Dark outside? A Downtown SAM will be glad to escort you to your car, bus or Metro station. The Downtown SAM At-Your-Side Service is offered free of charge within the Downtown BID boundaries during normal business hours. Simply call our dispatch office at 202-624-1550 when you are ready to leave. Typical response time is 10 minutes.

Satisfied customers say:

• "Thank you for the downtowndc program - it's great!"
  -Georgia Oaks, Dallas, TX
• "I lost my wallet somewhere around 13 and E or F Street, and had been looking all over for it. [One of your SAMs] found the wallet, which had my work id in it, and took the time to locate my office and return it to me."
  -Brent Powell, Washington, DC
• "I wanted to applaud you also for the SAMs - very helpful and great idea..."
  -Phyllis Rhode, Fort Belvoir, VA