New listserv

[from Joseph Martin]

I have set up a Yahoo Group called 4D Neighbors. To join, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/4D-Neighbors/

The intent of this listserv is to encourage creative, honest, and constructive dialogue around public safety and law enforcement issues in Ward 4 and MPD's Fourth District. This is for residents, local business people, and law enforcement officials.

4D-Neighbors is not an MPD website. It is my creation alone.

I am an ANC commissioner privileged to serve about 2000 residents in the Grant Circle area of Petworth. I have lived in DC for over 20 years, the past two in Petworth, before that near Dupont Circle. I am a Boston native. I initially lived in a housing project in South Boston, a notorious, tough, working-class neighborhood in Boston where about the worst thing that could happen to you is that you'd get punched in the face. How things have changed.

I have this peculiar notion that US cities can someday be as safe as many of their global counterparts, that gun violence and unsafe streets are not inevitable, that cultures and people can and do change. Boston, a city similar in size to DC, has a very low murder rate. A lot of effort by residents, law enforcement officials, educators, social workers, the clergy, politicians and neighborhood leaders brought that about. We can do it here.

I am aware that there are people in the community who do not feel comfortable contributing to a police-operated listserv. I have heard from some residents who told me they had attempted to post legitimate, constructive criticisms of law enforcement and that their postings never appeared.

Hence, 4D Neighbors:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/4D-Neighbors/

I will not tolerate the use of 4D-Neighbors to attack individuals. Criticizing policy is one thing. Attacking individuals personally is not acceptable.

Constructive criticisms that contribute to a healthy dialogue about public safety issues is what I am looking for. And let's not forget praising the men and women who go to work every day and put their lives in the line of fire for all of us. How many of us would be willing to put ourselves in their shoes?

Joseph Martin.