June 12, 2006
Public Hearing on Mandatory Juvenile Public Safety Notification Amendment Act of 2006, Bill 16-732
In closing, I want to once again thank the Committee for holding this hearing and for considering this legislation. Reforming our laws on access to juvenile justice information is not an easy task. There are a number of complex and sensitive issues involved. The MPD understands these sensitivities, and we respect the need to protect our young people from the misuse of juvenile records.
At the same time, our officers see first-hand, every day, the serious community safety problems posed by juvenile crime – in particular, the disturbing trends with respect to juveniles involved in robberies and armed offenses in general. Much is being done in the District to address juvenile crime and violence. But as a police department, as a government and as a community, we clearly need to do even more. I do not believe that we can solve this problem simply by working harder at what we’re already doing. I think we need a new direction – with new policies, new procedures and creative new thinking on how to address a very complex problem. I believe this legislation is an important step in the right direction.
This measure is by no means a panacea. But it is a straightforward and common-sense reform that I believe will help the Metropolitan Police Department be more effective in safeguarding our young people and in protecting our communities. I urge the Committee and the full Council to pass this law quickly and as proposed.
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this statement into the record. My staff and I will be happy to answer your questions.
