a + * GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT September 15, 2017 ‘The Honorable David Grosso Council of the District of Columbia 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004 Dear Councilmember Grosso: This letter is in response to your letter regarding participation by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in training opportunities sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The ADL is one of the nation’s most respected organizations working to counter hate and extremism, in part by partnering with government and law enforcement, The ADL partners with the Israeli National Police to present a National Counter-Terrorism Seminar (NCTS) to share their counter- terrorism strategies. As you know, Israel has extensive experience as a democratic country facing frequent, if not continuous, terrorist threats. Because of concerns about perceptions around some Israeli practices, you suggest that MPD should reconsider participation and instead focus on non-violent conflict resolution and community building. I certainly agree on the importance of a strong partnership between the community and police. Indeed, my top priority as the Chief of Police is continuing to strengthen trust between our community and MPD. That said, the NCTS is focused on counter-terrorism, not community policing. Different strategies are required when dealing with terrorists. As the Chief of Police, I would be remiss in my duties to safeguard people and property in the District if the Department was not well informed about trends and strategies in protecting the city from terrorist threats. ‘The MPD is a national leader in many areas of law enforcement, from respectfully and safely handling First Amendment assemblies, successfully investigating major violent crimes, to engaging and partnering with historically underserved communities. Other agencies routinely come to MPD to learn how we operate and identify parts of our strategies they might replicate in their communities. Similarly, this is a valuable opportunity for MPD to observe agencies that regularly face terrorist threats and, if merited, adapt strategies for the District of Columbia that align with our values and needs. Thope this addresses your concerns. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contagt me. Sinogrely, Le ‘Peter ewsham Chief of Police ce: Muriel Bowser, Mayor Kevin Donahue, Deputy City Administrator and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice P.O. Box 1606, Washington, D.C. 20013-1606