Earlier in my testimony, I mentioned the February 2004 murder of James Richardson inside Ballou High School, at the hands of a fellow student. That incident sparked a level of anger and frustration in the community that I have rarely witnessed in my 34-plus years as a police officer. In the aftermath of that tragic murder, Ballou students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as the community at large, demanded answers and demanded action. Our city and our Department responded with a number of initiatives that I have touched upon today – actions that are designed to enhance safety and promote learning not just at Ballou in the short term, but at all of our public schools for the long term.

But as much as the community may want a “quick fix” to the problem of school crime, the fact remains that school safety is a complex issue that demands thoughtful, careful and comprehensive solutions. School safety involves much more than guards and metal detectors at the door and cameras in the hallways. Creating a safe and positive school environment – one that is free of drugs, violence, intimidation and fear – encompasses a wide range of physical, social and academic factors that involve a number of different agencies and individuals. Coordinating these myriad activities – and getting everyone working together – is essential to our success. The Metropolitan Police Department is committed to this goal, and we stand ready to continue working with other agencies and individuals to help make our schools safer.

Thank you.