Rowdy Georgetown students had to contend with an increased level of supervision from the Metropolitan Police Department last weekend. In response to an unusually high number of complaints lodged against students by local residents in past weeks, the MPD opted to send the Special Focus Team to the Georgetown neighborhood.
According to Sergeant Carlos Bundy, who commands the part of the MPD’s Second District in which the University is located, the Special Focus Team targets problematic areas by increasing police presence there for a short period of time.
Last fall, the Team was temporarily stationed on Wisconsin Avenue following several outbreaks of vandalism.
Greg Mortenson (MSB ‘06) and his roommate were arrested on the night of April 7 when leaving their residence at 34th and Prospect Streets carrying open containers of alcohol.
The students were taken to the police station in Friendship Heights, where Mortenson said that he saw nine other Georgetown students brought in during the two hours it took for his case to be processed.
Ultimately, Mortenson and his roommate were given summons to appear in court next month.
Mortenson had expected to face a mere $10 fine for his misdemeanor charge, not a court date. When he asked for an explanation, he said, he was told by the arresting officer that the increased penalty was the result of a recent change in the jurisdiction of the Second District.
“They said they had no idea, that it was a court decision,” Mortenson said.
According to Bundy, cases involving repeat offenses require a court hearing. Both students were repeat offenders, though only on misdemeanor charges.
Bundy emphasized the importance that MPD places on stopping crime before it happens, noting that preventing such incidents makes life easier for both students and the police.
