13th & D Proposed as Drug Free Zone

The following are notes from the Police Service Area (PSA) 511 meeting on Wednesday. PSA 511 encompasses the Corner Forum area. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month at the Teacher's Credit Union, on the corner of 9th & D Streets NE, at 6:30 p.m.

• Lt. Caldwell presided, assisted by Officers Jones and Jackson.

• Application has been made for a declaration of "drug free zone" centered on the corner of 13th & D Streets NE. Such declarations, after approval, last from one to five days maximum. During this time, the police are empowered to disperse groups of two or more individuals suspected of being involved in drug-related activity. This is a short-term interventional measure to improve the quality of life in a neighborhood. In order to preserve everyone's right to free assembly, and in order to avoid legal challenges to this tool, the duration cannot exceed five days. Neighbors' homes will receive notification when the policy is put into effect.

• PSA 511 officers will be working with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) to obtain weekly updates on persons on probation or parole. They will coordinate with CSOSA to monitor the activities and whereabouts of persons falling under the purview of the agency.

• Attendees reported and applauded positive results over the last month in various areas, including around 14th and Emerald Streets, where there was a significant reduction in drug-related activity.

• An effort to ticket and/or remove abandoned vehicles also produced significant results. One such intervention on a vehicle associated with a residence suspected of drug activity cascaded into the successful eviction of the owners who could not pay their fines and rent at the same time.

• The meeting ended with the usual escorted visit of a part of the PSA. Kingsman Field along the 1300 block of D Street was visited. The officers were informed that the field is closed for a year by Parks and Recreation to allow the new turf to take root. However, the field is often in use by persons who climb over the temporary fencing. Neighbors should report such trespassing to the Urban Park Rangers at 441-2605. This number is answered seven days a week from 10 a.m. until midnight. Lt. Caldwell will seek clarification on the status of the field and request that clear signage regarding the closure be posted.

• Party Time !! Next month's meeting will be held on Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. In celebration of Thanksgiving (and to thank our officers for their continuing good work) the meeting will involve a pot-luck. Already pledged are: turkey, homemade bread, vegetable dish, hearty salad, pie, and ice. All are invited to attend — just bring something tasty to share! §