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Washington City Paper had heard from various readers that the MPD was setting up checkpoints in Petworth, and as of this evening can now verify two checkpoints, which the MPD conducted under the guise of “community outreach efforts” tonight for an hour at the intersections of Kennedy & 7th and Kennedy & 1st streets. Around 25 officers could be seen stopping cars, checking licenses, running plates, and citing minor seatbelt and cell-phone infractions. Many road flares and many police vans.
UPDATE: The MPD is flooding the neighborhood with recruits. They can be heard yelling “HOORAH.”
UPDATE: According to Officer R. Mullins, the MPD is conducting “a routine walk-through,” something it does “every four to five months” using recruits from the police academy. Mullins said three classes are out tonight, or about 75 recruits, plus various commanding officers.
UPDATE: According to a release that went out to the MPD-4D listserv around 2 p.m., Mayor Fenty is calling tonight’s MPD activities “City-wide All Hands on Deck Phase IV.” In addition to the MPD maintaining checkpoints and conducting foot patrols, “homicide detectives [will be] following up with victims.” No word yet on whether said follow-ups will involve members of DC’s medium community.