DEA Chief and DC Police Chief Discuss Crime Reduction Strategies
The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the newly appointed supervisor of the District of Columbia’s police force, Terrence Cole, highlighted a collaborative initiative aimed at mitigating violent crime in Washington, D.C., during a meeting with the police chief on Tuesday.
"We cannot afford to overlook this issue," Cole stated in an interview. "There is remarkable cooperation and intelligence sharing happening right now, and encouragingly, the police are eager to resume their duties."
In a significant move on Monday, President Donald Trump designated the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., as federalized, granting federal agencies and the National Guard supervisory authority, although arrests will not be conducted by these forces.
That evening, approximately 850 National Guard members were deployed to patrol the capital’s streets.
Cole emphasized the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts following Trump’s declaration of “Liberation Day.”
"In just the past 48 hours, we have made 60 influential arrests and removed 17 firearms from circulation. We even apprehended an individual wanted for murder last night," he reported.
He elaborated on the collaborative role of federal agents alongside the MPD.
"Effective tonight, we will be integrated with the Metropolitan Police Department,” announced Cole. “You will also observe heightened patrols in specific areas targeting the violent offenders responsible for the ongoing crime surge."
As part of the operation, National Guard troops have started to deploy throughout Washington, D.C., to assist local law enforcement efforts.
While Trump has enacted an executive order aimed at crime reduction, Democratic opponents of the federal intervention point to data indicating that violent crime rates in the capital have reached a “30-year low.” Cole, however, contends that public perception of safety is lacking and that police officers feel disempowered.
Cole expressed frustration with encountering repeat youth offenders armed with firearms, acknowledging the need for more stringent accountability measures that would require legislative changes to effectively address juvenile crime.
"There are many factors at play within the D.C. City Council that are cause for concern," Cole commented. "I’ve been receiving numerous calls from federal agents nationwide eager to come to D.C. and assist in restoring safety."
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