Two weeks ago, after an intense three-year investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office decided to decline prosecution of police Lt. Keith Perry, citing lack of evidence. Several fellow officers had alleged that Perry used excessive force during a jump-out on March 2, 1999 (“Crossing the Thin Blue Line,” 11/2/01). The officers had come forward to accuse Perry of hitting Alan Smith unnecessarily with his baton; Smith, who sustained injuries to his head and eyes, reached a $195,000 civil settlement with the District over the incident. Smith rejects the prosecutors’ judgment. “That’s a bunch of bullshit,” he says. “Lack of evidence? That’s a damn shame.” Perry, when notified of the decision, simply said, “I thank you for the information.” —Jason Cherkis