There have been many conflicting numbers of DC’s current crime rate this year. While many news sources have claimed that this year has seen a significant drop in violent crimes, others have pointed out that the state is known for its high crime rates and that this drop will not last in the long run. Either way, President Donald Trump has suddenly taken an interest in the state and deployed the National Guard to Washington to address the crime.
This move has already been heavily criticized and has even begun protests all around DC. Many have claimed that this sudden care for Washington is fueled by the desire to gain more control over the capital city or to help cover up the ongoing mysteries of the Epstein files. I do agree that this push has been blown out of proportion and that the issue is not as serious as Trump is making it out to be. However, I also recognize that this hands-on approach may prove beneficial to the state and that law enforcement should utilize these new resources while they are available.
A bolster in law enforcement sounds like a pretty good deal for the local police departments, who might be too short-handed. Whether or not Trump is doing this out of bad faith is irrelevant if the result is less crime. While I do think that the local police department has done a good job so far with the cities, I also think that there is no reason at this moment to decline the extra hands. Perhaps in time, we will see what came of this decision and if the people of Washington are better off or not.
