Norton Meets with Capitol Police Chief on Crime in Capitol Hill Parks - June 7, 2006

Norton Meets with Capitol Police Chief on Crime in Capitol Hill Parks
June 7, 2006

Washington, DC— Concerned that the recent crime on the Mall could find its way to Capitol Hill parks, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today met with Acting Capitol Police Chief Christopher McGaffin to discuss the recent attack at the lower Senate Park. “The area is used by all of Washington--Capitol Hill residents, commuters, tourists, Congress and staff,” Norton said. “The area attracts so many people that Capitol Police should be able to prevent attacks in broad daylight.” The Congresswoman is concerned that, like the Park Police, the Capitol Police may have taken for granted the long history of very little crime in the parks around the Capitol. Norton sees a different M.O. from the Mall gun violence but said, “It doesn’t matter that they may be kids or a different set of criminals. What matters is that criminals may think that national areas that were previously off-limits because they were well-policed are now vulnerable. What matters is that the residential Capitol Hill area may be exposed to a new source of crime. The beautiful parts around the Capitol provide tree-lined, shady walkways that are inviting for people to use to reach the Capitol complex. They must not become inviting to criminals as well.”

Norton said that before 9/11, the Capitol Police were already the largest police force in the country, and received a very generous increase in personnel post-9/11. Moreover, a bill she got through the Congress more than 10 years ago that allows the Capitol Police to patrol in the Capitol Hill community so that criminals don’t reach the Capitol complex or believe that the Capitol Hill neighborhood is an alternative for police. Norton said she wants more Capitol Police on the streets where the people visit the Capitol area and fewer police on the crime-free inside where Members of Congress work.