DC Council Testimony
Expert testimony before the DC Council Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety
Executive Director David Seidman testified before the DC Council Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety on March 9, 2026, outlining strategies to strengthen DC’s authority over its own public safety administration after the 2025 federal takeover of the MPD.
The Home Rule Act was a hard-fought transfer of power from Congress to the People of the District and the Council can take immediate steps to protect the District from a future takeover.
Key Recommendations
Firewall MPD's civilian intelligence, data, and technology infrastructure by transferring those functions to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, insulating the District’s surveillance and data systems from a future Section 740 requisition.
Pre-negotiate a mutual aid and continuity plan with willing regional law enforcement partners, ensuring DC residents retain local officers for emergency response even during federalization.
