Dear Neighbor,

I know there have been concerns in our community about the use of Flock cameras in the District, and I want to share an important update with you after I received more answers from MPD about how the technology is being used in DC. Security and privacy are fundamental rights for our residents -- we must always balance the dual important duties of our government to protect the public’s safety and to safeguard our civil liberties. Camera technology, when used properly, can be a useful tool to assist law enforcement in locating stolen vehicles, suspects in violent crimes, and missing persons, but all technology must be used in accordance with strict policies that prevent misuse.  

As Chairwoman of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, I have continued to question MPD about its use of Flock cameras during public hearings and through ongoing oversight and conversations to ensure proper use. However, in light of recent public concerns regarding the use of Flock cameras in DC, I again sought answers in writing from MPD about its Flock camera policies and how it has been used in investigations to date. The public deserves transparency and must understand how this technology is being used in our communities. MPD provided its written responses last week, which you can read in full here. My team and I are reviewing this information, and we will continue to conduct oversight of all public safety tools used by our local law enforcement here in the District.  

Additionally, there are several important upcoming hearings in the Council I want to highlight. Tomorrow, the Council will hold our first legislative meeting for the fall session. On Wednesday, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety will hold a public hearing on multiple bills. You can check out our full list of important fall legislative hearings below.

Yours in service,

Brooke

Legislative Updates

JUDICIARY AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

On Wednesday, September 23rd, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety will hold a public hearing on multiple bills:

• Councilmember Pinto's bill called the First Responders Facilities Modernization Act,which would establish a modernization plan for all Fire & EMS and MPD facilities in DC

• Councilmember Pinto’s bill called the Smoke Detector Safety Amendment Act, which would prohibit the sale of smoke detectors that are not tamper-resistant in the District

• Councilmember Pinto's bill called the Arena Safety Conformity Amendment Act, which would prohibit unauthorized entry onto a playing surface to include Capital One Arena Downtown and Audi Field in Southeast

• The Let Our Vows Endure Amendment Act, introduced by Councilmember Henderson that Councilmember Pinto co-introduced, which would establish a code of law for the mayor to issue marriage licenses and authorize temporary marriage officiants during a federal government shutdown

• The Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act, introduced by the mayor, which would amend the short-term rental law to clarify that a guest has no lawful right to remain after the conclusion of their stay

• The Protecting Judicial Privacy Act, introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson, which would prohibit the public display of a judicial officer’s personal information in the wake of a sharp increase in threats and attacks on judges and their families nationwide

• The Clemency Board Waiver Authority Amendment Act, introduced by the mayor, which would authorize the clemency Board to waive the five-year waiting period for applicants seeking a pardon

In the Community

Councilmember Pinto and Team Pinto recently have met with residents, advocacy groups, and local partners across the District, including:

• Celebrating Art All Night to honor our local artists and small businesses  

• Meeting with the Foggy Bottom West End Main Street to discuss our continuing efforts to promote support for our existing small businesses and help bring in new ones to these vibrant neighborhoods

• Joining Congressional Black Caucus annual legislative conference events to meet with lawmakers, advocates, and community members to support initiatives that advance and uplift Black Americans

• Celebrating the 160th Anniversary of the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church with neighbors

• Joining neighbors in Dupont Circle for a community happy hour  

• Honoring 25 years since our nation was forever changed on September 11th, 2001, and recognizing the courage and dedication of our first responders

• Meeting with Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone to discuss ways to support women in sports here in DC

• Joining the Building Bridges Across the River benefit to support community and arts programming and economic opportunities east of the Anacostia River  

• Joining neighbors to celebrate the H Street festival and enjoy great food, music, and company

• Joining the Wanda Alston Foundation fall reception to celebrate our LGBTQ+ neighbors and advocates

• Meeting with Golden Triangle BID Executive Director Leona Agouridis to discuss our vision and long-term solutions to uplift our Golden Triangle neighborhood

• Meeting with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters to discuss how to help more DC residents access training and lifelong careers as carpenters

Announcements

SHAW LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION

Construction is moving along at the Shaw Library. The drywall, electrical, and HVAC crews have advanced their work and are now making room for flooring and other specialty installation crews. You can check out the latest updates here.

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