“DC Police response time”

“Dear PoPville,

Sunday morning I woke up at 630 am and saw that my car–parked off street in my driveway–had been stolen.

I promptly called 911 and notified the dispatcher that my car had been stolen. I gave her the VIN number, make and model of the car and she told me that police were en route to interview me.

I waited over two hours, with additional calls to 911, for the police to show up.

After my fourth call to 911, I had to step outside and flag down a police cruiser.

I was at home the entire time. There was no knock at my door, the doorbell did not ring and my dog didn’t bark at any small noise.

While I understand that a stolen vehicle is not a life threatening emergency, and a vehicle can be replaced, what bothers me is that I called for help, and no one came. I had to demand assistance with multiple calls to 911 and physically flag down a cruiser.

It makes me concerned for my immediate safety and the safety of my neighbors (and DC residents generally). Wondering if other Petworth residents have had similar encounters and what next steps I can take to improve the situation.

(I have notified City Council members Lewis and Bonds–the latter sits on the DC Police oversight committee).”