DC mayor launches ‘Big Brother’ surveillance system in the name of law and order

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser is pushing back on her soft-on-crime stance as fast as she can, now issuing free digital “Big Brother” tracking tags for cars in case they’re stolen.

He made the announcement about the pilot program Wednesday in the wake of a spate of car thefts in the city. Bowser says the tags will make it easier for law enforcement officers to track down stolen cars and arrest those responsible for the theft.

“Last week, we introduced legislation to address recent crime trends; This week, we are equipping residents with technology that will allow MPD to address these crimes, recover vehicles and hold people accountable,” Bowser said in a statement.

“We’ve had success with similar programs where we make it easier for the community and MPD to work together, from our private security camera incentive program to the wheel lock distribution program, and we’ll continue to use all the tools we have and we will add new tools to keep our city safe,” he added.

Today we announced a pilot program to provide DC residents with free digital tracking tags for their vehicles.

We will continue to use all the tools we have and add new tools to keep our city safe. pic.twitter.com/moFcg4Cav4

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) November 1, 2023

“Crime in the borough has been rising steadily over the past year, far surpassing last year’s crime totals in almost every category. Motor vehicle thefts in the city are up 101 per cent this year, with MPD reports a total of 5,916 in 2023 so far. That’s more than the 2,942 car thefts reported last year.” the hill reported

Thefts and crime are hitting uncomfortably close to home for DC’s political denizens. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) was carjacked by three armed thugs right outside his Navy Yard apartment building last month. He was not injured and his vehicle was later recovered by police according to The Hill.

“The pilot program will be available to those who live in areas where MPD has seen the highest rates of motor vehicle theft, according to the news release. Officials have scheduled three distribution events for residents of those areas attend. MPD community outreach officers will install the tracking device in the driver’s vehicle and guide them in setting up the tag on their cellphones,” the news outlet said.

“Our goal is not only to prevent carjackings and motor vehicle thefts, but also to ensure prompt action by law enforcement when these incidents occur,” Acting MPD Chief Pamela explained Smith, through a statement. “These tracking devices allow our officers and detectives to be better positioned to quickly locate stolen vehicles, recover property and gather vital evidence for investigations.”

When theft and crime become personal, politicians tend to take action. Some members of Congress are now taking aim at the out-of-control crime in DC.

(Video credit: DC Mayor’s Office)

“House Republicans called victims of violent crimes in D.C. to testify before the Judiciary Committee last month as part of an effort to criticize the city’s public safety and blame its Democratic leadership,” noted The Hill.

Bowser isn’t the only left-leaning mayor to take a turn on soft-on-crime policies. San Francisco’s Democratic mayor London Breed has also been forced to reconsider her progressive mandates that have led to the explosion of crime in the City by the Bay. Other cities controlled by Democrats are also starting to do the same.

Terresa Monroe-Hamilton is a constitutional conservative who researches and writes extensively on politics and current affairs.

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