Chief Charles H. Ramsey
Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, DC
As I told the committee earlier this month at the oversight hearing on FY98 and FY99 spending, the primary goal of my administration over the last year has been to get the Police Department’s house in order—financially as well as operationally. With the support of this Council and many others, I believe we have made great progress toward achieving that goal—through investments in our people, investments in our organization and investments in the community. The proposed budget for FY2000—both operating funds and capital funds—will allow the MPDC to continue making the critical investments that will keep our organization moving forward. This budget will allow us to provide high-quality police services through our system of Regional Operation Commands and full- service police districts. This budget will provide our members with the technology, the training and the upgraded facilities they need to be effective. And this budget will enhance community policing through training, partnership and problem-solving opportunities on each and every one of our 83 police service areas.
Most importantly, this budget will help us continue to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I realize there has been a lot of attention paid in the last few days to the increase in homicides this year and the spate of lethal violence over the last week. These trends concern me very much, and I have initiated a number of steps to address the problem. At the same time, I am encouraged by the fact that, overall, crime in our city continues to decline—18 percent so far this year. Violent crime is down 11 percent, including a 16 percent reduction in robberies. And property crime is down 20 percent, with significant reductions in stolen autos (down 19%) and thefts from autos (down 28%). Working with the community, we continue to make Washington, DC, a safer, more livable city. I believe we can continue this trend in FY2000.
1 
