Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser presented new legislation on Monday to address the increasing crime rates in the nation's capital, which departs from the police reforms implemented during the George Floyd era.
During a recent press conference, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Acting Police Chief Pamela Smith introduced the 'Addressing Crime Trends Now Act' (ACT Now Act), as per Fox News.
DC Mayor Bowser Launches 'ACT Now Act' to Combat Rising Crime
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 16: Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on May 16, 2023 in Washington, DC. The committee held an oversight hearing on Washington, D.C.
This legislation aims to combat increasing crime rates and empower law enforcement with the tools needed to ensure public safety. The ACT Now Act will introduce several common-sense changes to address recent crime trends and restore accountability as crime rates rise in the city.
During the announcement, Mayor Bowser emphasized the urgency of addressing the current situation, stating, "We need to act now, and we need to send the strong message that violence is not acceptable in our city."
She expressed concerns over the perception that individuals can commit crimes with impunity and stressed the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility within the community. One notable provision of the ACT Now Act is the reinstatement of a law that makes it illegal to wear a mask to commit criminal acts, intimidate people, or cause fear.
This change addresses the city's evolving attitudes toward mask-wearing, particularly in light of incidents where criminals have taken advantage of concealing their identities. Mayor Bowser pointed to a recent robbery at the Wharf, where individuals wearing masks and appearing armed stole items from unsuspecting victims, highlighting the need for such legal measures.
Additionally, the ACT Now Act will roll back specific provisions of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act, which has faced criticism and pushback from the community and Congress. These adjustments will relax restrictions on vehicular pursuits and revise the definition of a police chokehold while upholding the principles of fair and constitutional policing.
The legislation will also grant police the authority to limit loitering and establish "drug-free zones" for up to 120 hours, a policy previously in effect from 1996 to 2014. Furthermore, the ACT Now Act introduces more severe penalties for retail theft to deter such criminal activities, according to the Washington Examiner.
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ACT Now Act
Another significant aspect of the legislation is creating a specific crime category directed toward organized retail theft. It will become illegal for individuals to manage schemes for profit by recruiting or coaching others to commit organized retail theft.
This change is intended to protect businesses and reduce theft-related incidents, as Bowser stressed the importance of a safe and secure environment for commerce and dining in the community.
As crime rates in Washington, DC, continue to rise, the ACT Now Act addresses these concerning trends head-on. Violent crime has increased by 41%, and property crime by 25%, compared to the same period last year. Notably, robberies and motor vehicle theft have risen by 70% and 102%, respectively, reflecting a broader trend in major cities in 2023, where violent crimes are decreasing while property crime and vehicle theft are rising.
MPD Acting Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith emphasized the significance of the legislation in improving public safety. She stated, "The legislation is responsive to what we are hearing from the community and takes important steps to clarify existing legislative language to ensure our officers can fully perform their duties."
The ACT Now Act addresses law enforcement's evolving challenges while upholding police accountability and public safety. It represents a concerted effort to adapt to the operational realities of the police force and ensure the well-being of DC. residents in these challenging times, KATU News reported.
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