National Guard's Role in Washington: A $1.4 Billion Patrol with Little Impact

This spring, an incident unfolded outside a nightclub in Washington, D.C., where police officers intervened to stop a man assaulting a young woman on the sidewalk. While the officers swiftly made an arrest, one detail caught the eye of Officer Xavier Jimenez: fifteen National Guard members patrolling the area did nothing.

Last summer, President Donald Trump deployed thousands of National Guard troops to the capital, asserting that this force would combat crime, especially in cities governed by Democrats. Currently, about 4,500 National Guard soldiers patrol Washington, outnumbering the city’s police force of approximately 3,200 officers. However, their impact on crime appears minimal.

Since their deployment began in August, these soldiers have been referenced in only about 1.3% of the criminal cases filed in the D.C. Superior Court. Rather than being recognized for arrests, they often appear as victims in these reports. The cost of maintaining this military presence is significant, with estimates suggesting around $1.65 million a day, a figure that is expected to rise as troop numbers increase.

According to a Reuters investigation, the soldiers primarily respond to minor incidents, often in affluent neighborhoods. Over the past five years, approximately 82% of the city’s murders occurred in areas where the National Guard has not been deployed. The White House claims that the troops have improved safety and quality of life, but local officials have expressed skepticism.

Although some Guardsmen have intervened in fights or minor crimes, many of their arrests involve low-level offenses. Instances include detaining individuals for petty theft, such as stealing pizza or a couple of beef jerky sticks. In some cases, soldiers have been spotted enforcing curfews near subway stations, but they lack substantial law enforcement authority.

Community reactions to the military presence are mixed, with some residents expressing concern over the potential for intimidation rather than safety. Rev. William Young, a local pastor, criticized the deployment, stating, “This is not how a capital of democracy should be protected.”

While the National Guard has been designated as U.S. Marshals, their powers are limited. They can detain suspects but must call in police officers for formal arrests. Reports show instances where Guardsmen merely observed crimes until police arrived, and there are numerous accounts of soldiers themselves being victims of crime.

One tragic example involves the death of Keon Jones, who was fatally stabbed near a popular waterfront area while soldiers were present. They initially misidentified him as intoxicated and called for aid without recognizing the severity of his injuries.

Despite the presence of armed soldiers on the streets, some community leaders argue that their deployment may not enhance safety. General Randy Manner, a retired National Guard Bureau leader, stated, “You do not want armed soldiers on the streets of America,” highlighting that soldiers are typically unprepared for policing duties and more costly than hiring additional police officers.

In conclusion, while the National Guard's mission in Washington D.C. is framed as a means of deterring crime, the reality reveals a different picture. Their presence has not significantly curbed crime rates, raising questions about the effectiveness and necessity of such military deployments in urban environments.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za