Metropolitan Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey announced today that he will promote 51 members of the Department to leadership positions at the beginning of the new year.

Beginning on January 10, 2000, 11 current lieutenants will be promoted to the rank of captain, 25 current sergeants will be promoted to the rank of lieutenants and 15 current officers will be promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Ramsey said the promotions will help ensure that all of the 83 police service areas (PSAs) in the seven police districts will have a full complement of lieutenants, supported by teams of sergeants. The promotions will further ensure that all seven districts have a sufficient number of captains to help oversee district and PSA operations.

In a written message to the newly promoted members, the Chief noted that the new promotions will help meet the needs of the community and enhance the Department's "Policing for Prevention" community policing programs. "I will expect a great deal from you in your new leadership positions," he wrote. "With your new responsibilities comes greater accountability -- accountability for reducing crime and building safer neighborhoods in partnership with the community."