MPD Annual Report - 2008

It is not uncommon for events in Washington, DC to take a national—or international—stage. At times, literally the whole world is watching. In 2008,  the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)  continued to receive accolades—local, national and international—for its management of major events. In April, just as the first full season of baseball it the new Nationals Stadium was about to kick off, Pope Benedict the XVI made a historic visit to Washington, DC. During the Pope’s visit, he met with political and religious leaders and held the largest Mass the District of Columbia has ever seen. Later, in November, the G20 Summit on the global financial crisis was held. With 20 of the world’s premier leaders in attendance, the MPD and numerous other local law enforcement agencies were tasked with ensuring the safety of these important dignitaries. But, day-to-day policing remains one of the key priorities of the sworn and civilian members of the Metropolitan Police Department. The initiatives taken and the successes measured show that customized community policing efforts have taken hold and are having an impact on the people who live, work, and visit DC on a regular basis.