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Hello Christian,
I understand there is deep concern about public safety in neighborhoods across the ward. I share those concerns and am actively working to address them. This edition of my newsletter focuses on my ongoing work to make communities in Ward 3 and across the District safer. I’ve included information about my response to crime, partnership with MPD, and important resources for constituents seeking to keep their neighborhoods safe.
Addressing public safety is critical to fostering safe, healthy communities. Unfortunately, the politics of crime often get in the way. A recent example is the Revised Criminal Code Act. The RCCA brought our patchwork of laws, built up over a century, into a sensible order. It changed some sentences to be in line with mainstream sentencing nationwide and to reflect the reality of current sentencing practices in the District and allow for higher sentences in aggravated circumstances. Still, it fell into a vortex of “tough on crime” and “soft on crime” politics. We must bring the temperature of these discussions down and take responsible action to make us all safer. That includes completing the job of modernizing our criminal code. I am determined to work with the mayor and my colleagues to finish this important work.
While much of the recent crime and justice debate has centered on the RCCA, I am deeply committed to a comprehensive approach to public safety that acknowledges that in some neighborhoods crime is disproportionately impacting our residents. We need simultaneously to rebuild our police force, change the relationship between police and the communities most impacted by crime, and address meaningfully root cause of crime, including economic inequities and community trauma.
My newsletter is biweekly, so follow me @CMFrumin on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more frequent updates.
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Matt Frumin
Councilmember for Ward 3
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Fostering Safe, Healthy Neighborhoods | |
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We can make our neighborhoods safer with a strategy that promotes an adequately resourced police department, comprehensive wraparound services, and community-centered professional policing.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) should be adequately resourced to prevent and respond to crime effectively. While recent budgets included funds to increase MPD personnel, recruitment and retention of officers remain a struggle. I am reviewing existing incentive structures and exploring innovative ways to recruit qualified officers who reflect the communities they serve and the racial, economic, and gender diversity of our city. Training efforts should prioritize building meaningful connections between officers and communities that increase accountability and strengthen the department’s ability to work with residents and local leaders to prevent crime. In tandem with personnel investments, I support data-driven responses to crime that enable MPD to be nimble in allocating resources to address increases in violent and property crimes where they occur. Expanded use of proven tools like Crime Suppression Teams, which respond to incidents with additional police presence, allow MPD to address safety concerns. I expect the mayor’s proposed budget will emphasize these priorities.
Public safety cannot just be about policing, though. We must also expand accessible, comprehensive services that keep families and communities whole. Just last week, I attended two community meetings — one in Anacostia and one in Cleveland Park — where community members all but begged for mental health services as an important element in the effort to break cycles of violence. That is why in my FY24 budget priorities, I proposed more than $56 million in new investments in behavioral and mental health services for youth and adults, licensing and training for social workers, housing for domestic violence survivors, and expanded Out of School Time Programs for students. Programs and services like these help communities heal and break cycles of trauma and violence.
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Response to Public Safety Incidents
My priority is to prevent crime before it happens, but when there are incidents we must respond quickly and appropriately. I routinely partner with MPD’s 2nd District, which serves Ward 3, to track serious crime and respond to safety issues in our community, and to send a clear signal of support for their work. Here’s how we work together:
1. In the immediate aftermath of a public safety incident, the 2nd District Commander briefs me on the incident, its resolution, and any ongoing impacts on the community.
2. In the days afterwards, my office follows up with MPD to obtain more information and discuss whether additional police resources or legislative solutions could have prevented the crime or strengthened our response.
3. MPD works to allocate additional resources to the neighborhood where the incident occurred, especially if it is a hotspot for public safety issues. When possible, the 2nd District’s Crime Suppression Team will respond with an increased presence in the area.
In addition to responding to specific public safety incidents, I frequently participate in neighborhood crime walks, meet with constituents to discuss their concerns, and engage with MPD officers and leadership. In the coming weeks, I plan to meet with MPD Chief Robert Contee III to learn more about MPD’s citywide efforts and discuss innovative approaches for a comprehensive, whole-of-government response to public safety.
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Public Safety Resources
MPD Crime Cards
MPD Crime Cards is a data-focused dashboard that helps residents stay informed about public safety in their community. MPD Crime Cards show public safety trends at granular levels, broken down by violent and property crimes and by geographic area. The dashboard can also assist residents in contacting MPD officials in their neighborhood or learning about specific recent incidents
To access the MPD Crime Cards dashboard, click here.
MPD-2D Listserv and Alerts DC
Information sharing is a crucial component of our public safety response. When residents are informed, they can effectively keep their neighborhoods safe. The MPD-2D community listserv provides regular reports on crime and arrests in the police district, as well as enables residents to ask for additional information about specific incidents.
You can join the MPD-2D listserv here.
AlertDC shares timely emergency alerts from public safety officials via text or email. You can choose what notifications to receive about traffic, public safety, utilities, and school closings.
Sign up for AlertDC or update your profile here.
MPD 2nd District Citizens Advisory Council (MPD-2D CAC)
Citizens Advisory Councils are advisory panels that give residents an opportunity to engage with MPD about their community’s public safety and policing needs. The CAC has open membership and provides residents with briefings from MPD-2D and the US Attorney’s office and opportunities to engage directly with law enforcement leadership. The meetings are held virtually on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
Free Steering Wheel Locks
MPD is offering free steering wheel locks to residents who own a 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. These cars are especially susceptible to theft, so the steering wheel locks are an important tool to protect your vehicle. Residents can pick up their locks at the MPD 2nd District station, 3320 Idaho Avenue, NW, with appropriate documentation. For more information, click here.
Steering wheel locks are an effective way to prevent vehicle theft. I recently co-introduced Councilmember Bonds’ “Wheel-Lock Help Incentive Program Act,” which would establish an incentive program to encourage the purchase and installation of steering wheel locks on residents’ personal vehicles.
Security Camera Rebate
The Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants administers the Private Security Camera Rebate Program, which provides residents and businesses incentives to purchase and install security cameras on their property and register them with MPD. The rebate covers the actual cost of an individual camera, up to $200, with a maximum rebate of $500 for residential properties. Click here to learn more.
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Connecticut Ave Road Safety Improvements | |
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On February 21, a multi-car crash outside the National Zoo led to the death of a 21-year-old man and injury of three others. Connecticut Avenue NW is a Vision Zero high crash corridor where more than 34 crashes occurred last year alone, some of them fatal.
To respond to the well-documented safety concerns, I wrote to DDOT Director Everett Lott urging immediate implementation of traffic calming measures on Connecticut Avenue, including removal of all rush-hour parking restrictions north of Calvert Street.
Connecticut Avenue should not be a six-lane highway through our Ward 3 community. Reducing the number of driving lanes will decrease pedestrian crossing distances and driver speeds, leading to a safer corridor for all road users. With planned Connecticut Avenue safety infrastructure improvements still years away, it is imperative to implement these responsible, evidence-based traffic calming measures now.
Read my letter to DDOT.
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I spoke to Fox5 and DCNewsNow about this safety-focused proposal. Watch the Fox5 interview and the DC NewsNow interview. | |
Donating my Records to the DC Archives | |
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On March 9, I committed to donate my papers and other historical records to the DC Archives at the conclusion of my term as Councilmember. While DC law does not mandate public records preservation for Councilmembers, I promised to donate my papers to set an example of transparency in the legislative branch. Records will be preserved in modern, state-of-the-art DC Archives facility at the University of the District of Columbia in Ward 3 when it opens in 2026.
Read my commitment to the DC Archives.
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COVID Center Closures
DC Health recently announced that the last day of operations for the city’s COVID Centers will be Friday, March 31. The centers provided residents with vaccines and tests, distributing more than 80,000 vaccine doses and 440,000 rapid tests since they opened in January 2022. While this resource will be closing, residents still have convenient options to obtain COVID vaccines, boosters, and test kits at their local pharmacies or online at low or no cost. Click here to order free at-home COVID-19 tests. To find a local free testing location, click here.
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Street Sweeping
Street sweeping began on March 1, 2023. DPW began issuing warnings to vehicles parked on designated routes during street sweeping periods and will begin issuing fines on March 10. Vehicles are subject to a $45 fine and $100 relocation fee. Vehicles parked during prohibited street sweeping hours are relocated so that street sweepers can access the curb.
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DPR Spring Programming
The Department of Parks and Recreation opened registration for its spring programming on March 8, including:
- Aquatic programs: swimming lessons, aquatic fitness, water polo, and lifeguard instruction.
- Team sports and athletics: soccer, kickball, gymnastics, baseball, and softball.
- Out-of-school time programs like DCPS Fun Day and DCPS spring break camp.
- Additional activities like candle-making, dance, and music.
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis to manage high demand. Click here to register.
DPR offers programming at reduced rates for qualifying DC residents. Complete the online reduced rate application here before registering for spring programming. Click here to learn more.
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Woodley House is a local non-profit that assists our neighbors with mental health disorders by providing supportive services and housing. I recently visited Woodley House to learn more about their transformative work. My FY 2024 budget priorities echo Woodley House’s calls to create a Master of Social Work program at UDC, as well as expanded funding for Mental Health Community Residential Facilities to ensure non-profits like Woodley House have the resources they need to continue supporting residents. Adequate mental and behavioral health services are critical to fostering a safer, healthy DC. | |
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I welcomed SakuSaku Flakerie, a Japanese-French inspired pastry shop, to Tenleytown last weekend along with the DC Small and Local Business Department and Tenleytown Main Street. I’m proud to support local small businesses like SakuSaku that make Tenleytown a more vibrant destination in the heart of Ward 3. | |
Sports Ticket Distribution | |
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My office has tickets to upcoming comedy shows, concerts, and sports games. We currently have tickets available for:
- Jo Koy World Tour comedy show (Saturday, March 11)
- New Edition concert (Thursday, March 16)
- Harlem Globetrotters event (Saturday, March 18)
If you are a Ward 3 resident and interested in attending, fill out this form to show your interest before 5 PM today. We'll hold a drawing and reach out if we have tickets available to share.
Request Sports Tickets Here
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Community and Government Events | | |
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Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or requests. Our Constituent Services team is here to help. | | | |
 
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Councilmember Matt Frumin
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 408
(202) 724-8062
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