Building a Stronger Ward 7 Together
Feature in The Washington Post
See Eboni-Rose’s feature in the Washington Post Article titled “Secure D.C. is just a start. Here’s how to make D.C. safe and vibrant.“.
Invest in D.C.’s kids
In the wake of the enactment of Secure D.C., the dialogue on public safety must shift toward solutions that not only ensure accountability for offenders but also prioritize residents’ well-being and tackle the catalysts of crime. We can reduce incarceration and lower crime rates simultaneously.
The cost of punishment — particularly through incarceration — is exceedingly high. In comparison, preventive initiatives such as early-childhood education, mentorship, employment opportunities and mental health services typically require a fraction of the cost and yield significant long-term societal benefits beyond reducing crime.
We should fully fund initiatives such as the Metropolitan Police Department Cadet Corps, which hires District residents between the ages of 17 and 24 for uniformed civilian jobs while also helping them pay for college courses. Efforts such as the Cadet Corps and initiatives to prioritize responsive and proactive community policing are essential to enhancing public safety.
Expanding employment opportunities, particularly through programs such as First Source, can provide individuals with viable alternatives to criminal activity. And establishing resource hubs in Ward 7 in collaboration with agencies including the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, Pretrial Services Agency and the Court Support Services Division can help prevent relapse into criminal behavior. Intervening at the right time in people’s lives is crucial for breaking the cycle of crime and for successfully reintegrating returning citizens into society.
Prevention efforts not only have the potential to disrupt the intergenerational cycle of repeat offenders but also offer a path toward positive youth development. There’s a shortage of uplifting and productive activities for D.C. youths, often leaving them vulnerable to the influences of crime. Drawing from my extensive experience as a youth advocate with the Ward 7 Education Council and State Board of Education, I have witnessed the remarkable potential of our young people when provided with the right guidance and opportunities. Early identification of risk, coupled with targeted interventions, is vital in averting criminal behavior. Preventing disengagement from education and providing beneficial alternatives can effectively decrease youth recidivism.
Despite the use of the recent uptick in crime to discredit criminal justice reform, D.C. is ready for a more effective approach. By prioritizing prevention, rehabilitation, investing in early intervention and providing support systems, we can break the cycle of crime and foster positive youth development.
Eboni-Rose Thompson, Washington
Statement on the Streetcar
