WASHINGTON — After a massive crime omnibus bill passed its first vote in DC Council this week, residents had strong reactions. Several changes were made to the most controversial provisions of the bill, so WUS9 is taking a deeper look at those changes and breaking down what they'll mean for everyday life in the District.
Councilmember Brooke Pinto told WUSA9 that she knew she had to make concessions because of concerns from so many of her colleagues, but said she still considers it a win.
"We know crime is disproportionately impacting black and brown residents so those voices continue to be at the forefront of our assurance that we we have to move forward and make sure everyone in our city is protected and safe in our neighborhood," Pinto said.
The first of the major changes to the bill was made by Pinto herself to the designated drug free zones. The bill gives authority to the chief of police to create drug free zones in public places known for high rates of drug crimes or violent crimes up to three times a month. The drug free zone must be marked, may only cover a square area with less than 1,000 feet on each side, and may be in effect for no more than 120 hours (five days). Once a drug free zone is established, police officers can ask groups of two or more people to leave the area if the officer reasonably believes they are committing a drug crime. Those who refuse, face a fine or jail time.
But Pinto added that police must notify social service agencies that exist within the zones and each councilmember in writing 24 hours before setting up the five-day drug-free zone. Anyone in the zone waiting for a bus, or to receive medical treatment would be exempt.
The Council also struck language from the anti-masking provision that said masks would be illegal if "causing another person to fear for his/her safety." Among other changes, police will now only collect DNA evidence after a felony conviction, and the pretrial detention will be temporary for 255 days so the Council can collect more evidence.
Neighbor Rose Williams calls the crime legislation a double-edged sword.
"It's necessary, I have to say that. I just feel like it's going to further victimize the people who didn't have any input in the bill," she said.
Williams shared that she lost sleep earlier in the week after a man was robbed and shot in her Congress Heights neighborhood.
"I could hear somebody hollering, begging and moaning," Williams said.
The gunshots were caught on a home's surveillance camera, a common sight in the neighborhood where she lives.
The screams heard on the video come from a man police say thought he was meeting up with a woman he met on a dating app, only to be robbed and shot several times in the 3600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, Southeast. It was about 10:46 p.m. on Monday night.
Williams was out for a nighttime walk with her husband and dog Cinco. She started fielding calls from concerned neighbors. They returned home only after police arrived and they knew it was safe.
She said her son Andre is in college in North Carolina. When he comes home to visit, Williams says he does not stay in her neighborhood.
Pinto was hoping for a second vote on the Secure DC bills in two weeks. Instead, she will have to wait about a month until Council takes the issue up again.
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