WP: ar Hours Worry D.C. Police Union
Labor Chief Fears Extension for Inauguration Will Overtax Force
By Theola Labbé-DeBose
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 5, 2008; B01
The leader of the D.C. police union said yesterday he worries that police resources could be insufficient during inauguration weekend because of extended hours for clubs, bars and restaurants.
Kristopher Baumann, chairman of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1, which represents D.C. officers, was critical of emergency legislation approved by the D.C. Council on Tuesday allowing establishments with liquor licenses to stay open 24 hours and to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. from Jan. 17 to Jan. 21. Baumann said public safety could be compromised.
"With our resources stretched so thin that weekend to provide security at the inauguration, we're going to be at the bare bones out in the districts," Baumann said, referring to the seven police districts whose officers respond to neighborhood crime.
Baumann said it is difficult to judge how much police presence is needed, because police have no experience with longer bar hours. Normally, bars and nightclubs can serve alcohol until 2 a.m. weekdays and until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. On Jan. 1, they can serve alcohol until 4 a.m....
The law, proposed by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, was introduced by council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who represents the nightlife-heavy neighborhoods of Adams Morgan and Mount Pleasant....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/04/AR2008120403899_pf.html