The Nightlife Task Force was implemented in June of 2022.
WASHINGTON — Friday night, WUSA9 was given an exclusive look at what the DC Nightlife Task Force does.
The task force was created in June of 2022 by Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“It had one simple goal, to enhance public safety, that’s it,” MPD Third District Commander James Boteler said.
They’re made up of a number of agencies including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), District of Columbia Department of Public Works (DPW), and District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
“Every one of our government agencies even though their role may not be covered under public safety, their jobs in some form or fashion contribute to public safety,” said Commander Boteler.
They focus on some of the most popular nightlife areas like the H Street Corridor, Connecticut Avenue and the U Street Corridor.
“D.C. has, especially the third district which I’m very proud of, we hold some of the best nightlife culture in the city. Rich in history, really nice restaurants and establishments. However, when you start getting late into the night, that’s typically when we have the problems,” said Commander Boteler.
WUSA9 spoke with Commander Boteler Friday night, prior to his officers heading out to their assigned areas.
He explained that they have officers assigned all the way up and down U Street.
“We’ll go from 14th all the way down to 9th Street. You’ll see the officers positioned from block to block and we usually have two officers at each spot,” he explained.
Friday night, as WUSA9 head down U Street with MPD, we saw a continuum of flashing blue and red lights. It was a clear sign of visible presence along the busy corridor.
“People who are looking to do bad are looking for an opportunity to commit a crime and if they are paying attention to us, they know we’re paying attention to them and that’s probably the biggest deterrent we can offer,” explained Commander Boteler.
According to data shared by MPD, year-to-date as of April 21, crime is down along H Street and U Street compared to this time last year. However, that data shows crime is up in DuPont.
According to MPD, crime overall is down 27% along H Street and down 49% along U Street. Data shared by MPD shows that crime overall is up 57% in DuPont.
WUSA9 asked Commander Boteler what his message is to people who don’t feel safe.
“I understand that. As I traverse this district and talk to my colleagues around the city the message we’re hearing from community is very clear. Regardless of crime stats whether they’re going up or going down, people are feeling unsafe and uneasy in the streets,” he said.
“To that I would say is we have a very robust deployment. It is very hard to be anywhere along U Street corridor and not see a police officer engaged with the community,” said Commander Boteler.
About 30 minutes after WUSA9 left the U Street corridor early into Saturday morning, a man was shot and killed on U Street near the intersection of 14th Street in Northwest.
