(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela A. Smith announced the launch of the Juvenile Investigative Response Unit (JIRU), a new MPD initiative designed to respond more effectively to youth-involved crime. The unit will work to prevent offenses, break cycles of recidivism, and strengthen MPD’s outreach to youth across the District.
The announcement comes as DC continues to see progress in reducing crime citywide. Year to date, violent crime is down 26%, including a 31% decrease in robberies, a 50% drop in carjackings, and a 12% reduction in assaults with a dangerous weapon. Property crime is down 6%, including a 12% drop in theft, and a 6% drop in theft from auto.
“When we invest in our young people, we also invest in a safer DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “We’ve made real progress in reducing crime, and we must continue tackling the root causes of violence, especially when it comes to our youth. Through the launch of this new unit and our continued investments in education, out-of-school programming, and job opportunities, we are ensuring young Washingtonians have the support they need to succeed.”
The unit will use data-driven analysis to identify crime trends among juveniles and intervene before conflicts escalate into violence. Investigators will also work closely with DC Public Schools, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Behavioral Health, the Child and Family Services Agency, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to ensure a comprehensive, whole-government approach.
JIRU will operate within MPD’s Youth and Family Engagement Division, with a focus on three core missions:
- Expanding outreach to young people already in the criminal justice system to prevent repeat offenses.
- Investigating violent offenses involving youth offenders.
- Identifying and apprehending youth with outstanding custody orders.
“There is nothing more important to me than the safety and well-being of our youth,” said Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith. “Our goal is to prevent offenses and disrupt the cycle that often leads young people into a life of crime, ensuring a brighter future for our communities.”
Mayor Bowser also highlighted the District’s ongoing investments in young people, both inside and outside the classroom. DC remains the fastest-growing urban school district in the country, and yesterday, the Mayor announced $1.5 million in new grants to expand out-of-school-time programs, ensuring more children have access to engaging and enriching activities this summer. In addition to connecting thousands of young people to career opportunities through the 46th year of the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP), the District will once again offer a full slate of summer camps through the Department of Parks and Recreation, which has been recognized as the nation’s top urban park system.
Following today’s announcement, Mayor Bowser and Chief Smith participated in a community safety walk in the Navy Yard neighborhood, where they received feedback on public safety concerns from community members and business owners.
Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos