WASHINGTON, DC  —    Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced today that the second phase of All Hands on Deck 2008 will begin Friday, June 27 and continue through Sunday, June 29, 2008.

The First Phase of All Hands on Deck (AHOD) began on Friday, May 2, 2008 and continued through Sunday, May 4, 2008. MPD Officers made 480 arrests, and as a result, seized $5,395 in currency, and $12,450 in drugs. Twelve firearms were recovered and two vehicles were seized.

Chief Lanier is continuing the initiative and says it is having an impact.  “Increased police visibility has helped our communities feel safer,” said Chief Lanier.  “We continue to hear positive feedback from residents who welcome more police in their neighborhoods.”

During AHOD, all available sworn MPD personnel will be on patrol throughout the District emphasizing community policing, focused law enforcement and community outreach. This will include increasing foot beats, homicide detectives following up with victims, and recruits passing out specific crime related information. The AHOD initiative is part of the Metropolitan Police Department’s larger effort to improve public safety by encouraging greater communication with residents. Three other AHODs are scheduled throughout the year.

Last year all five AHODs netted more than 2,400 arrests.