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Lanier stands up to council’s scrutiny
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WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Acting Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier faced hours of tough questions from the D.C. Council Friday, but she appeared to emerge unscathed, with several members indicating support for her nomination.
Lanier, a high school dropout and 17-year member of the force who worked her way up through the ranks, named crime reduction, perception of crime, and increasing neighborhood and school safety top priorities.
The chief oversees a force of about 3,800 officers.
Lanier has been a proponent of expanding community policing, something Mayor Adrian Fenty said was lacking under former Chief Charles Ramsey.
Few people who testified during Friday’s six-hour hearing complained about Lanier’s first 2 1/2 months on the job.
Residents have reported seeing more officers in their neighborhoods as a result of Lanier’s move to more community policing.
Council Member Jack Evans, D-Ward 2, asked about strategies for increasing the department’s long-term visibility.
Lanier cited changes to uniforms and reduction in the use of unmarked cars in favor of patrol vehicles officers could take home as tactics that may help, adding she plans to look at restructuring the department.
“The long-term plan is I really have to look at how I have people deployed,” Lanier said.
The District’s complicated court system and the amount of paperwork officers must do has taken away from time officers could spend making arrests, said Council Member Tommy Wells, D-Ward 6.
That has had a trickle-down effect on the department’s retention rates and ability to recruit new hires, police union officials said.
The District spends about $100,000 a week in overtime so officers can go to court to process paperwork on arrests, Lanier said.
She has promised to do what she can to make the process less cumbersome and costly.
Council members will vote on Lanier’s nomination after a two-week public comment period that ends March 30.
cmabeus@dcexaminer.com
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STUDENT said:
mr.oei has made the name of our school bad. now that he has done this everyone will now bout freedom high school but not in a good way. they will always know it as the school with the bad V.P.
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Rose Johnson said:
I read the complaints about Ross Ridge apartments,I moved in April 22 of this year.I am having the same problems,I have not seen any mice yet and I live on the bottom floor.My air conditioner was leaking and they left nasty brown stains on my wall which have not been fixed yet,2 months ago.My carpet is wet by the door where the air conditioner is.My bathroom has mold and water stains all over the ceiling above shower head,and stain marks streaking all the way down the tile.I was told there is a leak upstairs and that needed to fixed first before they could fix mine,but that was 2 1/2 weeks ago.Also there is mold around the ceiling along with the water spots.My refrigerator door was not shutting for a month,and was leaving cold air out ,running more than it should have,the light stayed on constantly,open the door and water flys out at you.Took door off and said to take out light bulb.Well frig is still dripping.dishwasher is not bolted to counter,it falls out.They do not fix anything.
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Examiner Reader said:
Does anyone have an update on the ongoing suit of Ross Ridge Apartments being sued by tenants? Does anyone here know of someone that currently lives there? Has Ross Ridge made any changes or renovations to their apartments? Thank you in advance for your response.
226 agree | 229 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Does anyone have any update on Ross Ridge Apartments being sued by tenants? Thank you.
206 agree | 213 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I currently live in Morgan Properties Towson Crossing Apartments. I have been complaining about the mice infestation for over 2 years now. I was told the infestation was because of the renovations. They even put in there newsletter ways to control the infestation by using peppermint oil. This was something I told them I was trying. The exterminator they sent even said there are alot of holes around the baseboard of the floors that needs repairs. With our cheap renovation which consisted of spray painting the bathroom tub and shower, we also got new carpet in the halls, new number signs outside the apt building but no concern, help or remedy to the infestation.
273 agree | 231 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
whats the status of this case... I live in the apartments now and am having the same problems
301 agree | 275 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Towson Crossings Apartments Tenants (Morgan Properties) are experiencing the same horrific living conditions! This morning one of the tenants posted a message in reference to the tenants moving out and the rodents moving in. Ignored work requests, filthy surroundings, trash and filth;I have encountered mice, waterbugs, roaches, crickets, spiders, in less than a month in my newly renovated $880+ top floor, 2-bedroom apartment. I'm so tired of tip toeing through my apartment out of fear of seeing/stepping on something. Its nerve wrecking for someone who maintains cleanliness, work hard to have to find peace outside of "what's considered home". Terrified Unhappy Tenant of Towson Crossings
810 agree | 287 disagree
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