After nearly nine years at the helm of the MPDC, Chief Ramsey is stepping down as the longest serving chief since Home Rule in DC.

 

On December 28, 2006 - his last official day as chief of the Metropolitan Police Department - Charles H. Ramsey issued the following statement to the members of the Department:

Nearly nine years ago, I came to Washington, DC, to be a part of something very special. I may have been an outsider at the time, but I was quickly and graciously welcomed by the many dedicated law enforcement professionals who make up the Metropolitan Police Department. My time with you has, without a doubt, been the most fulfilling of my 38-year career in law enforcement.

When I came to the MPDC, I found a Department that had an idea of where it wanted to go, but needed some help in getting there. I found outstanding people who were frustrated by antiquated technology, vehicles and equipment. I found facilities that needed renovating, an organization that needed restructuring, and, perhaps most of all, an overall sense of organizational pride and purpose that needed to be restored. In meeting and talking with our members, I came to realize that the mission of the Department was intact, but that many obstacles lay in the way. Over the past eight-and-a-half years, I have worked tirelessly to overcome those obstacles and restore the pride of this great Department. Looking back, I believe we have made amazing progress. Today, the MPDC is stronger, more confident and better prepared to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.

 

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate the person or persons responsible for a series of sexual assaults. There is no conclusive evidence at this time that these cases are related; however, the suspect descriptions in the cases appear to be similar.

In each case, the suspect has reportedly grabbed a female victim while she was walking and subsequently attempted to sexually assault her. In two of the incidents, the suspect reportedly produced a knife. It appears  that none of the victims was physically injured.

 

The reported incidents are as follows:

1. Monday, November 27, 2006, at approximately 5:25 pm, in the 500 block of U Street, NW
2. Tuesday, November 28, 2006, at approximately 4:30 pm, in the 400 block of Elm Street, NW  (knife used)  --  A composite of the suspect in this incident is included in this release
3. Tuesday, November 28, 2006, at approximately 4:20 pm, in the 400 block of T Street, NW
4. Tuesday, November 28, 2006, sometime between 4 and 5 pm, in the 400 block of Warner Street, NW (knife used)

Several community organizations, including the MidCity Business Association, Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B, with support from the Executive Office of the Mayor and Ward One Councilmember, Jim Graham, came together yesterday to launch a new pilot project in the neighborhood, the Hospitality Resource Partnership at 9th & U Streets, NW (HRP at 9th & U or HRP).

 

The HRP at 9th & U's goal is to unite key representatives from hospitality, public safety, government, development and community toward a common goal of planning, managing and policing safe and vibrant places to live, work, and socialize.  The HRP pilot project is focused on the area within 1 ½ blocks of the center of the intersection of 9th & U Streets, NW.