Washington, DC

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, as part of Safer, Stronger DC Week, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Peter Newsham launched a new campaign to promote recruitment efforts at MPD.

“We already have the most dedicated and talented police force in the country, and by recruiting and retaining more talent from within the community we are going to continue building a safer, stronger DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “Over the past year, we have put in place a series of programs and initiatives to enhance MPD’s recruitment efforts, and now we need to make sure more people know about these incredible opportunities.”

In addition to launching joinmpd.dc.gov, the Bowser Administration has put in place a series of initiatives and programs aimed at recruiting and retaining more top talent at MPD:

Recruit Six-Month Rental Assistance Program: This program provided $1,000 per month rental assistance for properties located in Washington, DC, for up to six months for the first 166 new police recruits who signed up in Fiscal Year 2018.

Employer Assisted Housing Program: This program provides assistance to DC Government employees who are first-time homebuyers in the District. Beginning in early 2018, eligible employees can receive a deferred 0% loan of up to $20,000 (an increase from $10,000). In addition, first responders will receive an additional $10,000 deferred and forgivable loan. Eligible employees will receive $1,000 in District-matched funds for every contribution of $2,500 up to $5,000, and first responders will receive $1,500 in District-matched funds for every contribution of $2,500 up to $15,000. This program is administered by the DC Department of Housing and Community Development.

Anacostia Public Safety Academy: The Anacostia Public Safety Academy is currently in its second academic year, with 38 Anacostia High School students currently enrolled. The Academy helps students pursue a career in public safety and creates a pipeline that will help strengthen the Metropolitan Police Department.

Senior Law Enforcement Officer Program: Through the Senior Law Enforcement Officer Program, which allows experienced veteran officers who are eligible to retire to remain on the force while collecting retirement benefits, MPD is able to retain experienced, highly qualified officers.

Police Officer Retention Program: Provides approximately 72 members with up to $12,500 in student loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement. Members who are ready to retire or have three to eight years of service may apply by November 15, 2017.

“Our department aims to recruit and keep the best candidates possible and these programs allow us to offer a variety of ways to do just that—have the best department in the nation,” said Chief Newsham.

The new website features easy-to-access information about employment opportunities within MPD. The site includes testimonial videos from MPD leadership, recruits, and cadets, and allows potential candidates to check levels of service, determine eligibility, and apply for a position. Residents seeking to become involved with MPD’s Community Engagement Academy are also able to apply on the site.

Year-to-date, the District has seen a 29 percent decrease in robberies, a 21 percent decrease in assaults with a dangerous weapon, a 14 percent decrease in homicides, and a 29 percent decrease in burglaries. Overall, violent crime is down 24 percent. These reductions in crime follow a nine percent decrease in total crime during Mayor Bowser’s first two years in office.

Throughout #SaferStrongerDC Week, the Mayor will continue highlighting new and innovative programs that make Washington, DC safer and stronger.