DCHA Police Department
The DC Housing Authority’s (DCHA) Office of Public Safety (OPS) operates the 24-hour DCHA Police Department (DCHA PD), and oversees the safety and security of the agency’s Public Housing communities.*
*DCHA’s Public Housing communities are owned by the agency and/or managed by DCHA’s Property Management Operations (PMO) department.
Chief of Police & Director of Public Safety, Michael E. Reese
Mission
The DCHAPD exists to serve all people with respect, fairness, and sensitivity. It is committed to the prevention of crime, the protection of life and property, and the preservation of peace and safety in and around public housing communities in the District of Columbia.
Contact Information
DCHA PD provides emergency response and general law enforcement services. In addition to their dedication to resident and employee safety, DCHA PD also supports the community by participating in DCHA-sponsored events.
DCHA Police Department Headquarters
2011 Walt Lincoln Way NE, Washington DC 20002
Greenleaf Public Safety Substation
In Case of Emergencies
Call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance services to immediately report suspicious behavior or threats to life, health or property.
For Crisis or Mental Health Support
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
DCHA PD Confidential Tip Line
Anonymously share information about suspected criminal activity. Crime-Solving tips may lead to rewards.
Metropolitan Police Department
Crimesolvers Tip Line
For General Questions
In Non-Emergency Situations
Call 311 for city services and non-emergency police.
DCHA’s Police Officers
The DCHA PD employs a diverse team of sworn law enforcement officers, special police officers and security officers, as well as civilian administrative staff.
Sworn Police Officers
Sworn Police Officers perform general duty police work, including handling calls for service, patrolling public housing communities, enforcing laws and investigating crimes. They are, as noted in D.C. Code § 6-223, authorized to have the same powers and restrictions as Metropolitan Police officers. They can issue traffic citations, carry out criminal processes (felony and misdemeanor), and make arrests, including outside their jurisdiction only when in fresh pursuit of a suspect who committed an offense on DCHA property.
Special Police Officers
Special Police Officers (SPOs) perform general duty police work, including handling calls for service, patrolling public housing communities, enforcing laws and investigating crimes. They have full arrest powers (felony and misdemeanor) within their assigned areas.
Security Officers
Security officers monitor their assigned public housing community; monitor entrances and exits, including checking identification and controlling access; monitor surveillance systems; respond to disturbances and emergencies; and communicate with Sworn Police Officers and SPOs.
Community Engagement
Guided by its mission, DCHA PD has adopted a Residents First motto in honor of its community-focused and proactive approach to promoting safety. DCHA PD prioritizes community engagement to support trust-building and prevent crime.
Community Events
DCHA PD attends and hosts various events for DCHA’s residential communities, including ice cream socials, holiday festivities, museum visits, summer splash events, and more. For dates and times of upcoming events at your public housing community, contact your property manager or community navigator.
National Night Out
On the first Tuesday in August, DCHA PD participates in National Night Out — an annual event that takes place across the country to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and community members.
Resident Officer Program
The Resident Officer Program allows DCHA PD’s sworn police officers and Metropolitan Police Department officers to live in designated resident communities. This program allows officers to become active and engaged members of the community through participating in neighborhood events and providing mentorship.
Safe Passage Program
DCHA PD leads the Safe Passage Program for the residents and neighbors of multiple public housing communities who reside near the Potomac Avenue Metro Station in Southeast DC. The program focuses on helping students safely go to and from school via the Potomac Metro Station by using deescalation methods to resolve conflicts.