MPD to Offer ‘Neighborhood Watch’ Training on the Hill

The Metropolitan Police Department is looking to help Capitol Hill-area residents prevent crime, as locals’ concerns about their safety mount.

MPD will hold “Neighborhood Watch” training for the public June 25 at Brent Elementary School (301 North Carolina Ave. SE). The session starts at 7 p.m.

Led by citywide Neighborhood Watch trainer Samantha Nolan, the session is intended to help “neighbors look out for each other’s safety, property and homes in a systematic and sustained way,” according to MPD’s website.

“Neighborhood Watch is described as ‘see it, say it,'” MPD First District Lt. James Dykes said in an email today. “Forming block groups who work together to end crime on the block by knowing each other and working together, but not walking the street, is how it works.”

Dykes, along with First District Cmdr. Jeff Brown, met with locals Monday to discuss their concerns about recent crime in Hill East. Last week, a resident started a “Protect Hill East Citizens’ Safety” petition that called on Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier to improve safety in the neighborhood.

The petition has garnered more than 335 backers so far.

“I want to arrive at a point where you all have a safe, sustainable and healthy community and neighborhood to live in,” Brown said at the community meeting Monday.

Photo via Flickr/Antti T. Nissinen