Deploying the National Guard in Washington did not reduce violent crime, research reveals
An investigation by the Niskanen Center indicates that, allegedly, the presence of the National Guard in Washington is costly and not so effective
The results of research conducted by the Niskanen Center show that President Donald Trump's order to deploy the National Guard to the nation's capital did not decrease violent crime as expected.
In August of last year, arguing that crime in Washington, D.C. allegedly one of the highest, the New York magnate took control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and at the same time ordered the deployment of the National Guard in the capital.
"Today is Liberation Day in Washington D.C. and we are going to take back our capital. We will take it back under the authority that has been vested in me as president of the United States. I officially invoke section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, you know what it is, and I place the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington D.C. under direct federal control," he said during a conference held at the White House.
Days later, National Guard troops were assigned to arrest people who had taken over the streets, using them as homes and crime spots.
From then on, the presence of members of the Armed Forces increased until it reached 3,500 and with the projection that before the end of the year there will be 5,000.
However, the Niskanen Center found that the continuation of the National Guard has failed to reduce violent crime for about 10 months.
On the other hand, there is talk of a 24% decrease in crimes against property committed opportunistically.
"The deployment of the National Guard was not in vain. It produced a significant reduction in property crime, and it did so quickly, which is important when residents and businesses demand visible action.
But it was an expensive tool, deployed in the wrong places and for the wrong types of crimes, with a daily cost per person 60% higher than that of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, and with a hidden productivity cost for the civilian economy,” indicates a report.
Furthermore, the investigation highlights that violent crimes, including robberies, already showed a downward trend prior to the incorporation of elements of the Armed Forces in street patrols.
“The $185 million spent on the National Guard over five months could instead fund more than 1,300 additional years of military service for officers or, equivalently, more than 3,100 officers over five months,” he added.