Assistant Chief Diane Groomes Retiring and Patrol Services Bureau being split into Two – North and South

Assistant Chief for Patrol Services and School Safety Bureau Dianne Groomes Ed. Note: That’s what today is The Coupe in the background back in 2008

From MPD:

“The Metropolitan Police Department would like to announce the retirement of Assistant Chief Diane Groomes effective April 29, 2017. As Assistant Chief for Patrol Services and School Safety Bureau for nearly 10 years, AC Groomes has been instrumental in creating a model community policing program in Washington, DC. During her 27 year-tenure, she developed and expanded a number of innovative patrol initiatives and undoubtedly has been one of the Department’s most valuable assets in building relationships with the community and reducing crime throughout the city.

For the past three decades, I have had the honor to work alongside Diane and consider her a trusted friend and colleague. The District of Columbia meant the world to her and it showed in her approach to policing. She policed the city with compassion, integrity, and grit. Diane was proud to wear the MPD badge and embraced the great responsibility that came with it. I am thankful for her service to the community and wish her all the best in her retirement.

patrol services_fact sheet (PDF)

With this transition, we will be restructuring the Patrol Services Bureau. First, Patrol Services will be divided into two bureaus: Patrol Services North (PSN) and Patrol Services South (PSS). Taking effect April 23, 2017, the Patrol Services North Bureau includes the second, third, fourth, and fifth police districts and the Patrol Services South Bureau includes the first, sixth, and seventh police districts. Each patrol bureau will be led by a Patrol Chief, who will ensure a seamless transition.

As part of this realignment, MPD’s School Safety Branch will move under the Investigative Services Bureau (ISB) and report directly to the Assistant Chief of ISB.

MPD will be hosting two community meetings to introduce the Patrol Chiefs, further describe these changes, and answer questions from community members. As valuable partners of MPD, we invite you to attend, and to encourage others from the community to join us as well.

· The Patrol Services South (PSS) community meeting will be held on Monday, April 24 at 7PM at THEARC (1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020).

· The Patrol Services North (PSN) community meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 25 at 7 PM at the Frank D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs (2000 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009).”

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the following statement regarding the realignment of MPD’s Patrol Services Bureau:

“The upcoming changes at MPD are another example of how we can innovate from within the Department to better serve the residents of Washington, DC. With the seven patrol districts under the control of two assistant chiefs, MPD will be able to increase transparency and accountability and Acting Chief Newsham will gain more insight into the successes and challenges of each patrol district. Overall, these adjustments will help provide us with the information and perspectives we need in order to continue building safer, stronger neighborhoods in every ward.”

The Mayor also recognized and thanked Assistant Chief Groomes for her years of service at MPD:

“Chief Groomes has been with MPD for almost three decades, and today, she is one of the most visible, respected members on the force. For years, she has been out in the community assisting residents, supporting officers, developing relationships with Washingtonians young and old, and, of course, dancing. I congratulate Diane on her retirement and thank her for all she has done and will continue to do for the residents of Washington, DC.”

From The Wharf:

“Officials from Hoffman-Madison Waterfront (HMW), the developer of The Wharf, today announced that veteran Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Official Diane Groomes will be joining The Wharf team as Director of Security and Public Safety following her retirement from the Metropolitan Police Department at the end of this month.

In her new role, Groomes will direct all operations and activities of The Wharf’s security program to ensure a safe and secure world-class, urban waterfront neighborhood. When The Wharf opens its first phase in October, the neighborhood will span nearly a mile of waterfront and, when complete, will include 3.2 million square feet of residential, hotel, office, restaurant, retail and cultural space across 24 acres of land and over 50 acres of water on the Washington Channel of the Potomac River.

“There is nothing we take more seriously than the safety of our waterfront community, and we feel incredibly fortunate to welcome someone so trusted and experienced in security and community policing to lead what is without a doubt one of the most important roles at The Wharf,” said Monty Hoffman, Founder and CEO of PN Hoffman.

Groomes has served for the past 10 years in her role as Assistant Chief of the Patrol Services and School Safety Bureau (PSSSB) and has a 27-year-long law enforcement career with the Metropolitan Police Department for the District of Columbia. At MPD, Groomes oversaw all patrol units from the First to Seventh Districts, Special Liaison Division and school safety in the District of Columbia.

“Over the past three decades, the Metropolitan Police Department has transformed itself into one of the most prestigious and respected law enforcement organizations in the country. This transformation could not have occurred without the blood, sweat and tears of people like Diane Groomes,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham. “Diane has been an integral part of MPD’s success, and her legacy will live on as this agency continues to thrive. She has been the epitome of commitment to this City, and she stands out as the example of the public servant we would all like to be,” Chief Newsham added.

Bringing her knowledge of state-of-the-art security philosophies and modern community policing experience, Groomes will oversee creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment for the millions of people who visit, live, work or come to be entertained at The Wharf.

“When The Wharf opens this fall, not only will it be one of the largest waterfront developments under construction in the country, but it will be one of the most technologically advanced neighborhoods from a safety and security standpoint,” said Chief Groomes. “What The Wharf team is building here is unprecedented, and it will be my job to ensure the well-being of residents, businesses and visitors that come to our neighborhood. This is an incredibly unique opportunity, and one that I look forward to embracing.”

“We are honored to have Diane Groomes join The Wharf team in her new role as Director of Security and Public Safety,” said Amer Hammour, Chairman of Madison Marquette. “The Wharf is committed to ensuring that every visitor and resident enjoys a positive, memorable and meaningful experience in our vibrant neighborhood and Chief Groomes’ long history of public safety excellence will contribute to that goal,” Mr. Hammour added.”