Frequently Asked Questions About Moving the Area in
PSA 306 From the Third to the Second District
Why is the Metropolitan Police Department making this move?
This change will help resolve a workload imbalance between the Second District (2D), which handles just 4.5% of “Priority 1” (emergency) calls, and the Third District (3D), which accounts for over 21% of these calls. Similarly, 3D has 24.2% of the violent crime in the city, while 2D accounts for 3.2%. As the number of crimes has increased in the Third District, the amount of radio traffic has increased exponentially, reducing the effectiveness of police communications. Additionally, the strain on structural resources such as the use of district lockup facilities, report-writing rooms, and other elements of the police stations is similarly imbalanced in the present arrangement. Managerial resources will also be improved in the new scenario.
How was the decision made?
Chief Cathy Lanier viewed this as a short-term solution to a workload issue facing the Third District. MPD held several meetings with council members and the community, who largely favored the move provided the Department monitor the affect on 2D’s workload and response time to priority calls. Among the agencies that supported the idea of the move were ANC 2B and the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID).
Does the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) support this move?
Yes. In fact, Kristopher Baumann, the President of the Fraternal Order of Police, spoke in favor of the PSA move at the community meeting held in the Second District in July 2007.
Are the boundaries changing?
Boundaries of PSA 208, effective September 2, 2007. |
No, they are not. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) went through a long process in 2004 of reaching a consensus on the boundaries of this PSA, so to change them now would just delay the process.
Are any other PSAs changing?
No, although the Chief may review all the boundaries in 2008.
What will the new PSA be called?
PSA 208.
If I live in PSA 306 right now, who will be my new District Commander and my PSA lieutenants?
Andrew Solberg is the Commander of 2D. Both Lt. Scott Dignan and Lt. Paula LaGrand are moving with the PSA to 2D.
How many sworn members are assigned to PSA 306, and how many are moving?
A total of 78 sworn members will be moving with the PSA, which will allow essentially the same coverage to 2D that 3D had with PSA 306.
This area used to be two different PSAs before 2004. Why not just split up PSA 306?
Moving all of PSA 306 into the Second District represents a quick operational fix since it doesn’t involve changing PSA boundaries. The Metropolitan Police Department is in a position to make an operational move that will positively affect workload citywide. Changing PSA boundaries is a painstaking process, as we cannot satisfy every community member’s wishes. Finally, merely splitting PSA 306 in half and keeping it in the Third District would not affect the imbalance of work that currently exists 2D and 3D.
What about the current physical barrier of Rock Creek Park between 2D and 3D?
MPD anticipates the change will help members maintain a high level of PSA integrity (responding to calls only within one’s PSA).
How long does it take to get from Idaho Ave NW to PSA 306?
It took Commander Andrew Solberg 15 minutes [without lights and sirens] at 6:30pm to travel from the 2D Station on Idaho Avenue NW to a meeting in PSA 306 at 16th & Q Street NW.
What kinds of problems are likely to occur from this move?
As noted above, in 2004, the MPD changed all of its PSA boundaries, so the Department is familiar and comfortable with the process. The Department doesn’t anticipate any significant problems to arise as a result of the transfer.
Can residents of what will be PSA 208 continue to go to the 3D Station to obtain visitor parking permits since it is the closest district station?
Yes, residents can obtain police service from the nearest district station to where they live. They can also continue to use the 3D meeting rooms for community discussions.
Will MPD monitor response time in 2D over the next few months and keep the community apprised?
Yes, the MPD will be monitoring calls for service and response time in both the Second and Third Districts to ensure both the response time and the distribution of services is more equitably balanced after we move the PSA into 2D.
Additional Resources
| PSA 208 Leadership |
Lt. Scott Dignan |
(202) 715-7326 |
|
Lt. Paula LaGrand |
(202) 715-7328 |
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Second District Headquarters
3320 Idaho Avenue, NW |
Commander Andy Solberg |
(202) 730-1901 |
ROC-North
501 New York Avenue, NE |
Assistant Chief Peter Newsham |
(202) 576-6600 |
| 2D Detectives |
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(202) 730-1903 |
| 2D Community Outreach Coordinator |
Sgt. Gwen Mapp |
(202) 715-7379 |
| 2D Citizens Advisory Council |
Chairman, Samantha Nolan |
(202) 244-2620 |
| 2D Community Prosecutor |
Anita LaRue |
(202) 715-7374 |
