A couple weeks ago the Foggy Bottom Grocery Store on the George Washington University campus was robbed at gunpoint, the perpetrator made off with $500 cash. . .
Thank goodness no one was hurt!!!!
I think the thing that concerns me the most about this incident is that it was almost like no one in this area thought that someone with a gun was “allowed” to make their way over to “this” area.
After the incident there has been a buzz on campus about “arming” the George Washington University Police. . . of course as a student of public health my friends and I have been discussing the idea and hands down the answer is NO WAY. You may draw you own conclusions by the following crime logs:

Reported October 23, 2008 GW Hatchet
Theft
10/15/08 – Lerner Health and Wellness Center – case closed
A student told University Police Department officers that he locked his belongings in a locker and some of his property had disappeared when he returned. The officers checked other lockers for his property and found his duffel bag, but not his wallet or cash. No suspects or witnesses.Assault
10/16/08 – Thurston Hall – 1:15 a.m. – case closed
Two friends, one male and one female, got into an argument before one of the individuals physically grabbed the other. Referred to Student Judicial Services.
Liquor Law Violation
10/16/08 – Thurston Hall – 4:09 a.m. – case closed
UPD officers noticed an individual walking into Thurston who was visibly intoxicated. The person was not affiliated with the University but was being escorted by a GW student. The individual was transported to the GW Hospital. Individual barred from campus.
Destruction
10/16/08 -Academic Center garage – 10:13 a.m. – open case
An individual broke the entrance gate arm going into the garage. UPD is investigating the incident using security camera footage. Case open.
Drug Law Violation
10/18/08 – Ivory Tower – 1 a.m. – case closed
While on patrol in Ivory Tower, a UPD officer smelled marijuana in the hallway. After identifying the room, the officer called the community director who conducted an administrative search. Six students were present and 3.9 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were confiscated. Referred to SJS.

District of Columbia, Metropolitan Police Department 7th District Summary of Crime October 17,18,19 2008
BURGLARY I 100 B/O Elmira St SW 10/17, 548am
Citizen reports that while she slept, a black male forced entry to her home. The suspect was still on scene upon MPD’s arrival and was placed under arrest.
THEFT I – STOLEN AUTO 3100 B/O MLK Jr Ave SE 10/17, 800am
Citizen reports that his/her vehicle was stolen by unknown person(s). Taken was a green 1999 Chrysler 300.
ADW- GUN 3300 B/O 13^th St SE 10/18, 315pm
Citizen reports while walking through the alley, two black males approached and began shooting. Citizen sustained a gunshot wound to the right thigh.
ROBBERY- GUN 3200 B/O 10^th Pl SE 10/19, 1155pm
Two citizens report that two black males approached, produced handguns and stole property from their pockets.
ROBBERY- GUN 600 B/O Alabama Ave SE 10/19, 1000pm
Citizens reports that a black male approached and produced a handgun. Citizen reports that the suspect struck him with the gun and stole property from his pockets.
THEFT I – STOLEN AUTO 4700 B/O MLK Jr Ave SW 10/18, 200pm to 10/19, 100am
Citizen reports that his/her vehicle was stolen by unknown person(s). Taken was a black 1990 Toyota Camry.

GW University Police Training:
Certification Training

District of Columbia, Metropolitan Police Department
Academy training for recruit officers lasts for 28 weeks. During the first month, recruit officers live on site at the Academy (excluding weekends). MPD recruit officers complete a full program of physical endurance training, classroom training, and firearms training to prepare them for the challenges of being a police officer. The subjects covered include laws of arrest, search and seizure, criminal law, traffic regulations, human relations, community policing, and ethics. In addition, recruit officers receive skills training in firearms, operation of emergency police vehicles, self-defense, advanced first aid, and much more. MPD officers serve an 18-month probationary period, which includes the 28 weeks spent in the Metropolitan Police Academy.

Basically. . . the typical crime on the George Washington University Campus does not require that of a gun on campus- and I really do believe in this case LESS IS MORE . . . furthermore on any given day there are handfuls of MPD cops . . . one officer told me once “Your area has the most officers in the District because so many jurisdictions are covered. . . ” Personally I can think of ONE University Police Officer that I could trust with a gun, and until then I will risk it with my pepper spray, my defense training, and all jokes aside my street sense.