Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L Lanier announced today results of the third phase of All Hands on Deck (AHOD) 2008, which began at 6 am Monday, August 4 and continued through 6 am on Wednesday, August 6, 2008.

MPD officers made 444 arrests and recovered 16 firearms. Police made 78 percent more arrests compared to the same period last year. There were no homicides during AHOD.

During AHOD, all available sworn MPD personnel were on patrol throughout the District emphasizing community policing, focused law enforcement and community outreach. This included increased 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.

“All Hands on Deck is about more than just arrests, it’s about prevention.  Residents all over the District were greeted by hundreds of officers, recruits and cadets, handing out fliers and brochures about how to avoid becoming a victim of crime.  We also engaged residents, encouraging them to take back neighborhoods hit hardest by violent crime by handing our information on open homicide and violent crime cases,” said Chief Lanier.

Because of the increased community policing efforts, including the AHOD initiative, the MPD closed seven homicides between Saturday, August 1 and Wednesday, August 6.

AHOD Phase III occurred during the 25th anniversary of National Night Out (NNO), a crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The national celebration was held on the National Mall on Tuesday, August 5. NNO events were also held citywide in each police district.