In April, District of Columbia native George Kucik took over the command of the city’s 3rd District, a wide-reaching zone that stretches from downtown, north through Adams Morgan and into Columbia Heights. He has been a member of

the Metropolitan Police Department for more than two decades. 

Have you instituted any changes since taking over the 3rd District, or plan to institute any in near the future?

I have changed the mission of the Focus Team. It is now a vice unit and its mission is to deal strictly with narcotic and prostitution enforcement.  Previously, the unit was tasked with handling a variety of different issues such as burglaries [and] robberies. ...

This story continues below
Advertisement

I [also] have implemented a Crime Suppression Team. This unit is dispatched to areas where there is an uptick in violent crimes, especially those that are committed with guns. Members of the unit received extra training on gun recovery tactics and have already recovered several

weapons in their first three weeks from individuals suspected of committing robberies.

What crime trends have you witnessed recently?

On May 7, 2008, the year to date statistics indicated a rise in robberies, burglaries and theft from autos. The information was forwarded to the Police Service Area lieutenants and a plan was implemented to reduce those crimes. After 60 days, the statistics showed a decrease in every category.

 What are some of the biggest challenges for the 3rd District?

The 3rd District is challenging because it is the most densely populated, diverse district in the city. It is comprised of residents of many different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, races, lifestyles and economic wealth. The 3rd District also has a large

and diverse business community. 

What inspired you to become a police officer?

I became a police officer because I’ve always enjoyed working with people and I believed police work would enable me to do something worthwhile. ... After 20 years, I still enjoy coming to work. I’m still learning, and every time I think I’ve seen it all, something new comes along. This job has given me the opportunity to meet many people [police officers and citizens] who have devoted and/or risked their own lives to make things better for others. Each and every one of them has made me strive to be a better person.