There is nothing more important than the safety of every DC resident and Mayor Bowser has set clear priorities for reducing crime, gun violence, and juvenile crime to create a safer strong Washington, DC. This means ensuring all residents are safe, victims of violent crime experience justice, and those that harm our community are held accountable.
The Addressing Crime Trends Now Act (ACT Now) of 2023
On October 23, 2023, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Addressing Crime Trends Now Act (ACT Now), new legislation that will address recent public safety challenges by giving law enforcement more tools to hold criminals accountable and keep neighborhoods safe. By adding more tools while also amending provisions of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Amendment Act, the legislation will also help create an environment that better supports communities and victims as well as the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) ability to hire and retain highly qualified officers.
- Read the press release for the ACT Now announcement
- Review the one-pager for ACT Now legislation
- Review the draft ACT Now legislation (as introduced 11/2/23)
- Watch Mayor Bowser's press briefing on the ACT Now Legislation
The Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023
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Watch Mayor Bowser’s press briefing on the Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023.
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Read the Washington Post Editorial "The Post's View: Opinion - These 8 proposals from Bowser would help D.C. fight violent crime"
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Enhance penalties for violent crimes that victimize or target vulnerable residents with physical or mental impairments as well as expanded protections for transit and for-hire vehicle employees, transit passengers, and people at rec centers.
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Increase penalties for illegal gun possession.
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Make strangulation a type of felony assault (strangulation is a key indicator that domestic violence will become deadly).
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Strengthen provisions that allow individuals to petition for early release to ensure the voices of victims and community receive proper consideration.
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Provide greater discretion for the Courts to determine who should be held pre-trial, including defendants previously convicted of a violent crime while they await trial for a new violent crime.
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Increase the reimbursement for the District’s popular Private Security Camera System Incentive Program which strengthens public safety by increasing the network of cameras available to assist MPD in solving crimes and closing cases.
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Require the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to report more data on process and outcomes.
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Propose collecting DNA earlier in the process for First Degree sexual offenses after the probable cause hearing.
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Require supervisory agencies to provide MPD with location and identification data collected from any detection device necessary in conducting a criminal law enforcement investigation.
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Expand the District’s representation on the DC Sentencing Commission.
Public Safety Summit
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Read the Public Safety Summit presentation.
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Watch the Public Safety Summit.
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Watch the Public Safety Summit press briefing.
State of Crime in the District Meeting with ANCs
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Read the State of Crime presentation.
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Watch the ANC meeting.
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Watch the press briefing hosted after the ANC meeting.
DC Public Schools and DC Charter Schools Public Safety Meeting
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Watch the media availability the Mayor hosted after the event.