Public Safety issues holiday security advice

Edward Piper, the Director of the Department of Public Safety at Georgetown Law, sent a crime prevention letter to the Law Center community in advance of the holidays.

“During the holidays,” Piper wrote, “the potential for thefts and robberies increase. More people are out and about, and they are carrying more gifts and money than during other times of the year. While there’s no need to be afraid, you should keep in mind the following holiday safety reminders:

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Experts question wisdom of Drug War policies

Marc Mauer of The Sentencing Project questions harsh drug offender sentences.On Friday, November 11, 2011, the Georgetown Criminal Law Association held a symposium on the challenges of the War on Drugs.

Michael Satin, Training Director at the District of Columbia Public Defender Service, focused on the ironic impact of criminalizing low-level drug laws, criticizing low-level drug prosecutions for displacing efforts to combat violent crime by monopolizing resources and damaging the relationship between police and the community.

Judge Gregory E. Mize of the District of Columbia Superior Court added that the most common reason for acquittal that he sees in his trials is that jurors do not trust police witnesses.

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Student "robbed and assaulted" near McDonough Hall

Student robbed near campus on Sep. 5.An unidentified man “robbed and assaulted” a Law Center student outside of McDonough Hall on the night of Sep. 5, according to the Department of Public Safety. In a crime alert sent to the Georgetown Law community, Public Safety Director Edward Piper described the attack and announced increased security around the campus.

“During the robbery,” Piper wrote, “the suspect forcibly removed the victim’s umbrella from her hand and ripped it apart.” He added that “the victim was struck in the face with the umbrella.”

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