1960-1969 – Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police

Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police

M.P.D

1960 to 1969

This is an FBI video with the M.P.D.C

Learn More About the 1961 Inauguration

Learn More About the 1965 Inauguration

Learn More About the 1969 Inauguration

1961

1962

1962 – A ruling called the “Mallory Ruling” was made in D.C. Superior Court regarding the arrest and questioning of suspects. The new ruling prevented the practice of picking people up simply for investigative questioning, (MPD).

1963

As part of enhanced training in conjunction with American University Metropolitan Police, recruits graduate from the training school received three (3) transferable college credits, (MPD).

1964

In 1964 at the old number 2, the first thing everyone did as they were walking to their beats was to walk through the parks arresting all of the drunks. If they resisted they were charged with D&D (Drunk and Disorderly). Each carried a fine of $10.00. In the summertime they would run from you, in the winter time they would run to you and beg you to arrest them. They wanted to be locked up for the winter (and the judges obliged them). As they said, a hot cot and three meals a day.

The drunk laws changed after the IACP came in just after the riots and the entire department was overhauled, much to the dismay of many. Before the change if you arrested someone for drunk, disorderly or other minor charge you simply arrested and booked them. No paper work. The booking and transport papers were done by the station clerk, but the arresting officer did not have any paperwork to do. After IACP drunks were considered ill and you had to document the arrest with a statement of facts and some other reports. It took an hour or hour and a half just to process a drunk. This spread across the entire country and needless to say police stopped arresting drunks and that is why we have so many homeless people on the streets today.

Learn More About the Cadet Program

The first special language name tags were introduced to help non-English speaking persons to identify an officer who spoke their language, (MPD).

1965

1967

1968

1969

The department altered the requirements for women to join the force, keeping them in line those of their male counter parts. they were no longer required to have degrees.

MIRANDA RIGHTS, another product of the 1960’s

1961 D.C. Metropolitan Police Organizational Chart

Above and below are vehicles of the 1962 MPD fleet photos provided by the MPD

1965’s M.P.D. Officer with an unknown object on his shoulder ???

1960’s M.P.D. Officer receives an award.

Tree-box Checking on Police Not Used in Suburbs

The District of Columbia’s police force is comprised of 2,800 officers who are closely monitored by their supervisors. This practice, informally known as “treeboxing,” involves observing officers from hidden vantage points. Surrounding counties, with over 1,000 officers serving most of the Washington area’s population, do not use these methods.

A recent incident drew attention to the differing procedures when a Montgomery County officer fatally shot an individual, he claimed was about to throw a piece of pavement at him. The officer was suspended for a day and reassigned to station duties. Any charges against the officer will be determined following a grand jury investigation.

In the District, any officer involved in a fatal shooting is immediately suspended until a coroner’s jury absolves them of wrongdoing. During this period, the officer’s weapon and badge are taken, the ammunition is inventoried, and a comprehensive investigation is carried out. If it is concluded that the officer acted within the appropriate guidelines, they will be reinstated with full pay. This protocol is not followed by the neighboring counties.

Colonel James McAuliffe, Superintendent of Montgomery County Police, stated, “I believe there is a stigma associated with suspending an officer. We conduct full investigations in such cases, but unless there is a significant error in judgment, I prefer to relieve the officer of duty without confiscating their badge and gun.”

The suburban areas lack an equivalent to the District’s Independent Investigations Squad, which operates within the Police Department under Deputy Chief John B. Layton and focuses on investigating police corruption. Chiefs in the suburbs, overseeing forces ranging from 131 officers in Alexandria to 347 in Montgomery County, argue that there is minimal need for such specialized units.

Fairfax County Police Chief William L. Durrer mentioned, “If a serious issue arises, I handle it personally. The last instance of this nature occurred over ten years ago, involving a police officer suspected of protecting an illegal abortion operation.”

Should the situation necessitate disciplinary action, responsibility typically falls to line commanders. While all suburban police departments have internal tribunals similar to the District’s trial board, it is not mandatory for certain offenses to be presented before a trial board, unlike in the District. In the Metropolitan Police Department, a trial board composed of three senior officers’ reviews cases that could result in penalties exceeding $50. For lesser infractions, officers may request a summary trial before their commanding officers.

The process works differently in suburban areas. Officers may request a trial board hearing, or the police chief may mandate one. However, these procedures are less clearly defined, and serious offenses may be adjudicated at the discretion of the police chiefs, with officers then subject to standard civil or criminal proceedings.

Since January 1, 1962, there have been thirty-five cases recommended for trial board action in the District and six summary trial boards conducted by station commanders, predominantly concerning officers who have fallen into debt.

Tree-box Checking on Police Not Used in Suburbs

By Tony Gieske Staff Reporter

The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973); Jun 11, 1962;

ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post

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