‘Walk the Beat,’ Feb. 1 and 4

At the first scheduled “Walk the Beat” event, Georgetown residents can join police officers, walking their beats and “seeing what they see.” The event will take place at noon this Wednesday, Feb. 1. The forecast calls for 49 degrees under partially sunny skies.

“Walk the Beat” is the brainchild of Metropolitan Police Department Second District Officer Antonial Atkins. “This will allow Officers to meet and greet some proactive community residents and business leaders to foster better relationships,” Atkins said. “It will be a great opportunity to better relationships, strengthen ties, share crime tips, and point out things in the community that could result in a future crime.”

With everyone becoming increasingly aware of crime and how to prevent it in Georgetown, the new initiative will allow residents to understand ways they can protect their neighborhood from crime, according to police. That includes being mindful of unlocked car doors and visible valuables, getting home security pointers and discussing new technology like security cameras.

The walk will last from 45 minutes to an hour.

Another “Walk the Beat” is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Feb. 4. The walks start at Wisconsin Avenue and K Street NW near Georgetown Waterfront Park. Second District officers from other shifts have volunteered to participate in future walks, which will be planned for different days, times and locations throughout Georgetown.