Call City Not University Police First

It’s about more than just student disturbances. Over the years there have been many rumors and misconceptions regarding the dual roles of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the George Washington University Police Department (UPD). Which group enforces District Laws for either GWU’s “campus” or for students living off-campus? Who, if anyone?

In the recent past I have been told, off the record, by MPD officers that they were not permitted to deal with student misconduct unless it was requested by the UPD. Adding fuel to this rumor fire a few years ago was former DC City Council member Kathy Patterson, then Chair of the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary. Under the rubric of “concurrent jurisdiction” Patterson tried to make that process a matter of law. This potential legislation raised such a hue and cry throughout the City that the ill-advised proposal was withdrawn. Nonetheless, while the legislation failed, rumors perpetuated that the flawed process was still in place.

Do these rumors persist? Yes, GWU has opened an office to deal with student misconduct. And, yes, in repeated mailings and public appearances, sounding very reasonable and even helpful, University representatives decry disruptive, disturbing and possibly illegal behavior. A closer look at GWU’s
actions and policies regarding misconduct (student and otherwise) both on and off its campus environs reveals that, despite good intentions, they may actually hinder public safety.

Last week I had a phone conversation with Lt. Phil Lanciano of the MPD. The good lieutenant is a genuine asset in our community, and he assured me that no policy— overt or hidden—prevents MPD officers from dealing with student misconduct, either on or off the campus. While GWU has established a “hotline” and encouraged non-student residents to call the University first, Lt. Lanciano, asks that reports are first made to the MPD. The MPD will then determine if and how to involve the university authorities.

The October 2 edition of the GW Hatchet ran an excellent editorial expressing concern over GWU’s plans to extend UPD authority to off-campus residences. The editor declared that students living off-campus must learn to live as adult and responsible members of the residential community, and “In the same vein, neighborhood associations and residents should be treating students like any other residents and keeping UPD out of the picture.”

Law enforcement is central in achieving this goal set out by the Hatchet editor. The only way in which District laws can be enforced is by the professional officers of the MPD, responsible to District residents and as part and parcel of their job, officers take an oath to enforce District laws. Neither is true of the UPD, much less the University’s public relations office which is charged with responding
to—and/or placating our residents.

I strongly urge that everyone heed Lt. Lanciano’s advice. Should FB/WE residents—STUDENTS
INCLUDED—experience or witness misconduct or, what seems to be a violation of law by anyone, the phone should be used to dial 911, not the University. The name or badge number of responding officers, date and time should be noted, as well as an account of any incident specifics. Lt Lanciano will then have the tools to follow-up and he has promised to do so.

— Ron Cocome