DC Gets Emergency Crime Bill

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- The DC City Council on Tuesday approved an emergency crime bill. The bill is aimed at combating increased violence on the streets for the next 90 days. However, it's what's NOT in the bill that might have Mayor Adrian Fenty upset.

By a 9 to 4 vote. the legislators refused to give the Mayor and Police authority to seek civil injunctions against suspected gang members to keep them and their friends from gathering at certain targeted areas.

Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser and Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans argued that police needed the additional authority to protect residents from increased gang intimidation and violence.

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry and the ACLU argued that innocent young people's rights would be violated and more arrests alone won't solve the crime and violence problem.

Barry said Fenty needs to send a comprehensive bill to the council that includes funding for jobs and anti-gang efforts.

At-Large Councilmember Michael Brown said that he lives in Ward 3, near Tenley Circle and thinks that while police won't be arresting large numbers of white youth standing on corners in his neighborhood, they might unfairly profile black youth in communities east of the river.

The Emergency bill passed by the Council Tuesday will toughen the penalties for crimes-especially for ex-offenders.