3D CAC is a Washington, DC nonprofit agency of Law Enforcement practitioners focusing on providing Public Safety Education, Enterprise Management, Social Justice Advocacy, Social Betterment Programs, and the Promotion of Community Engagement. We have been establishing Agency Partnerships and Executive Level Leadership since 1981. 3D CAC is for Safety, Social Service, Social Betterment, Community Growth, Community Connections, and Community Responsibility.
For 45 years, the Third District Citizens Advisory Council (3D CAC) has been Washington, DC’s cornerstone community-police partnership. We were created by mandate, sustained by community, and driven by a single purpose: a safer Third District for every one of the 180,000 residents who call this district home.
3D CAC is the officially designated Citizens Advisory Council for the Metropolitan Police Department’s Third District. As defined by MPD itself, we provide the district commander with community-sourced information and recommendations, ensure that monthly public safety meetings are substantive and accountable, and formally assess the impact of MPD’s crime-fighting efforts on the lives of Third District residents.
That is not what we aspire to be. That is what we were created to do – and what we have done, without interruption, since 1981.
At 3D CAC, we believe that authentic public safety creates the foundation for thriving businesses, resilient neighborhoods, and united communities. Through evidence-based programming and strategic partnerships, we deliver measurable change that improves lives across Washington, DC.
Strong communities attract investment, support local businesses, and create opportunities for all residents. 3D CAC’s data-driven public safety programs, commercial corridor partnerships, and eight Police Service Area meetings create the conditions where businesses grow and neighbors feel at home.
Real Impact: Neighborhoods with active 3D CAC programming show 30% reduction in reported incidents and increased business investment. Our three-month crime data through early 2026 shows 748 documented incidents across the Third District – a 28.3 percent year-over-year reduction – proof that community engagement and crime reduction move together.
When residents feel safe, families flourish. Our PSA Block Captain program, established in 2022 with a goal of 200 trained captains district-wide, has deployed more than 450 volunteer hours in response to a single community safety need. Our monthly public safety education meetings, neighborhood safety walks, and Pastoral Clergy Coalition connect the work of law enforcement with the trust of faith communities – because lasting public safety is built one relationship at a time.
Effective public safety requires genuine partnership. 3D CAC’s monthly Task Force meetings, eight PSA community meetings, and district-wide Public Safety Leaders Meeting create structured, accessible dialogue that produces solutions. In the first three months of 2026 alone, 3D CAC delivered comprehensive crime briefings, submitted formal community recommendations to district command, and engaged residents in direct conversation with MPD leadership.
Top talent chooses secure communities. Employees need confidence in their daily commute, evening activities, and workplace environment. Through strategic partnerships with local employers and workforce development organizations, 3D CAC addresses safety concerns proactively, ensuring our Third District remains an attractive place to work and build careers.
3D CAC was established in 1981 as the direct institutional response to a documented need for community oversight of policing. We have maintained continuous operations through every crisis and every reform period since then – including the DOJ Memorandum of Agreement period from 2001 to 2008, the staffing surge of the late 1980s, and the community policing achievements of the Lanier era that produced a 23 percent reduction in violent crime.
Public safety extends far beyond crime preventionβit’s about creating environments where people and businesses flourish together. 3D CAC leads this transformation through:
Your voice matters. Your participation creates change. Your community needs your engagement.
MONTHLY COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Last Thursday of each month except holidays | 7:00 PM
Hybrid Format: In-person at MPD 3rd District Station 1620 V Street, NW + Virtual via Zoom
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErc-uuqz4qG9XEdJIJsge6LCNiYFPbUn11 |
Info:3DCACDC@Gmail.com
STAY CONNECTED
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CONTACT US
Phone: (202) 854-1620
Email: 3DCACDC@Gmail.com
Address: 1620 V Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Website: www.3DCAC.org
β Karen Gaal, Chairwoman & Public Safety Director
Together, we’re not just building safer neighborhoodsβwe’re creating the caring, connected community that Washington, DC deserves. Join us in making the difference that lasts.
National Night Out Community Safety Fair
Monthly Safety Education Workshop Series
Monthly Public Safety Task Force Meetings
Youth Leadership Development Program Registration
Community Emergency Preparedness Training
Your input is crucial to improving public safety and enhancing quality of life in our neighborhoods. Every voice matters. Every action counts. Every resident makes a difference.
Your input is crucial to improving public safety and enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
Register To Join The 3D CAC Public Safety Task Force Meetings
Join The 3D CAC Public Safety Task Force Register HERE
Stay Connected To Our Monthly 3D Public Community Meetings
Thursday
Last Thursdays of Each Month
7:00pm In Person
1620 V Street, NW, Washington, DC
With your support, we can continue building trust, creating safer neighborhoods, and empowering individuals to lead change in their communities. DONATE TODAY
The Third District Citizens Advisory Council (3D CAC) is Washington, DC’s premier community-police partnership organization, with 44 years of proven leadership in enhancing public safety and transforming neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital. As the official Citizens Advisory Council for the Metropolitan Police Department’s Third District, 3D CAC serves as the strategic bridge connecting residents, businesses, law enforcement, and government agencies to create measurable, lasting change.
COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: Through evidence-based programming and multi-sector collaboration, 3D CAC addresses complex public safety challenges with innovative solutions that strengthen the entire community fabric. Our partnerships span DC City Council, Mayor’s Office, federal agencies, corporate foundations, faith-based organizations, and grassroots community groups, creating a unified approach to neighborhood transformation.
PROVEN RESULTS THROUGH STRATEGIC ACTION: 3D CAC delivers measurable impact through comprehensive public safety education (reaching 180,000+ residents annually), youth leadership development programs (engaging 200+ young adults), emergency preparedness training (FEMA-certified), and community advocacy initiatives that have achieved 30% crime reduction in targeted areas and 95% participant satisfaction rates.
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL PROGRAMMING: Our organization operates sophisticated task forces addressing community policing, emergency preparedness, youth engagement, and neighborhood safety while managing $850,000 in annual programming with 100% grant compliance. 3D CAC deploys 500+ trained volunteers, coordinates with 75+ partner organizations, and maintains direct liaison relationships with MPD Third District Command Staff.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION: 3D CAC builds lasting change through certified Community Safety Advocate programs, neighborhood watch expansion, interfaith coalition leadership, and evidence-based policy advocacy. Our work creates resilient communities where families thrive, businesses prosper, and public safety becomes a shared responsibility rather than a government mandate.
EXCELLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP: Recognized by the Mayor’s Office, Metropolitan Police Department, and federal agencies, 3D CAC sets the standard for community-police collaboration while maintaining the highest levels of fiscal responsibility, program effectiveness, and community trust across Washington, DC’s diverse neighborhoods.

We are a dedicated team of community members committed to fostering public safety, enhancing neighborhood connections, and building trust within Washington, D.C.’s vibrant and diverse Third Police District.
We invite YOU to Join Us in this civic opportunity to engage in pivotal discussions and initiatives aimed at improving public safety and strengthening our community.
Connect with the 3rd District Metropolitan Police Department Command Staff.
Each area in Washington, DC is guarded under a Patrol Service Area (PSA) find yours right here:
Use This Online Resource to File A Police Report for Non-Emergency Law Enforcement Service Issues.
Hearing From The Community About Police Service Is Very Important. If You Need to File An Official Complaint or Commendation You Can Take Care of it here:
Transforming neighborhoods through proven programming, strategic partnerships, and measurable impact across Washington, DC.
3D CAC Public Safety Education Programs
Access comprehensive educational resources, safety workshops, and professional training designed for residents, businesses, and community leaders. Our evidence-based curricula reach 8,000+ participants annually with 95% satisfaction rates.
3D CAC Care Team Community Projects & Support Groups
Join impactful community projects and supportive networks through our 3D CAC Civic League and 3D CAC PSSP Support Group for adults ages 19+. Build lasting connections while strengthening neighborhood resilience and mutual support systems.
3D CAC Public Safety Meetings
Stay informed and engaged through our monthly hybrid community meetings every third Thursday at 7:00 PM. Connect with neighbors, learn about local safety initiatives, and contribute your voice to community solutions.
3D CAC Public Safety Leaders Meetings
Participate in strategic leadership discussions where MPD command staff, community leaders, council representatives, and subject matter experts collaborate on data-driven solutions and policy recommendations.
3D CAC Public Safety Legislative Leadership
Our evidence-based advocacy has strengthened communication, enhanced trust between residents and law enforcement, and influenced critical public safety legislation. We champion policies that create lasting positive change throughout Washington, DC.
3D CAC Neighborhood Watch Program
Connect with our certified Public Safety Block Captains and Community Safety Ambassadors who provide professional guidance, emergency preparedness training, and ongoing neighborhood support through our award-winning network.
Established in 2022, the PSA Block Captain program is 3D CAC’s neighborhood-level public safety infrastructure. Block Captains serve as the direct link between their neighbors and MPD’s Patrol Service Areas. Our goal is 200 trained captains across all eight PSAs by the end of 2026. In February 2026, in direct response to documented drug market activity near Cleveland Elementary School at 7th and T Street NW, 3D CAC mobilized 10 new block captains in 48 hours – representing 450 committed volunteer hours. When community members are organized and present, public safety improves. That is what block captains do.
3D CAC Pastoral Clergy Coalition
Established formally in 2024 after two years of foundational work, the 3D CAC Pastoral Clergy Coalition bridges Washington’s faith communities and local law enforcement. Uniting Islamic, Catholic, Jewish, Indigenous, Evangelical, and Orthodox Christian faith leaders across the Third District, the Coalition has earned national recognition as a model for trust-based community policing. Faith leaders bring moral authority, deep community relationships, and the ability to reach residents that law enforcement alone cannot. This is not about religion and policing occupying the same space. It is about every community institution doing what it does best – together.
3D CAC Cadets Program
Empower the next generation through our comprehensive civic engagement program for youth ages 8-19. Our cadets develop leadership skills, learn emergency preparedness, and become active community advocates through mentorship and hands-on experience.
3D CAC Enterprise Management Support Services
Access professional guidance, security consultation, and community partnership opportunities through our business support services. We help local enterprises thrive while contributing to neighborhood safety and economic development.
Together, we’re building a safer, stronger, and more united Washington, DC community. Experience the power of collaboration, witness measurable change, and become part of a 44-year legacy of proven community leadership.
π Contact Us Today: (202) 854-1620 | 3DCACDC@Gmail.com
π Learn More: www.3DCAC.org
Because when we work together, we’re not just strongerβwe’re unstoppable.
3D CAC exists to ensure that the residents, businesses, and faith communities of the Third District have a permanent, formal voice in the public safety of their neighborhoods.
As the officially designated Citizens Advisory Council for MPD’s Third District, we provide the district commander with community-sourced information and recommendations, hold monthly public meetings where residents can engage directly with district leadership, and deliver community input and performance assessments directly to the Chief of Police through the Chief’s Citizens Advisory Council.
We accomplish this through 45 years of continuous presence, data-driven public safety education, multi-sector partnerships, and a sustained commitment to the principle that community oversight and police effectiveness are not competing forces. They are the same force, pointed in the same direction.
In Service Always – because Personal Safety is Public Safety.
3D CAC operates under an official mandate established by the Metropolitan Police Department. MPD defines the Citizens Advisory Council as:
“An advisory panel in each police district that provides the district commander with information and recommendations from the community on the public’s safety problems and police service needs. Regular CAC meetings allow residents to meet and discuss police-related issues with the commander and provide an opportunity for police officials to assess the impact of their crime-fighting efforts on the community.”
– mpdc.dc.gov
This is the mandate 3D CAC has fulfilled since 1981. Our five core functions, as established by this mandate, are:
3D CAC is also a registered nonprofit corporation incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. This means we operate under our own bylaws, our own elected leadership, and our own governance structure – distinct from, and in partnership with, the Metropolitan Police Department. We are not a department program. We are an independent community institution holding an officially mandated advisory relationship with the Third District.
Our partnership with MPD is exactly that: a partnership. We bring the community’s voice. MPD brings its expertise and resources. Together we build a Third District that is safer and stronger than either could build alone.
3D CAC was not formed as a goodwill gesture. It was formed because community oversight was determined by MPD leadership itself to be essential to the department’s integrity and its ability to serve Washington, DC.
In 1981 – the year 3D CAC was founded – Washington, DC recorded 237 homicides. A federal report documented recurring community concerns in Third District neighborhoods: drug-related fear, allegations of police harassment affecting young people and minorities, and strained relationships between law enforcement and the communities they served. The response from MPD leadership was not denial. It was structural change. The Chief of Police mandated that each police district establish a Citizens Advisory Council, giving communities a permanent, formal seat at the table.
3D CAC was the official fulfillment of that mandate in the Third District. We were created because community voice and police accountability were recognized as inseparable from effective policing.
That founding purpose has not changed in 45 years. The conditions that made it necessary – the need for accountability, the importance of community voice, and the requirement that MPD’s impact on residents be formally reviewed – have not gone away.
Want to explore the full 45-year record? Our comprehensive MPD Historical Review, sourced from federal oversight reports, official MPD records, and 3D CAC’s own institutional archive, is available at www.3dcac.org/mpd-historical-review.
Our comprehensive approach combines professional training, youth leadership development, emergency preparedness education, and community advocacy to ensure that public safety becomes a shared responsibility rather than a government mandate.
A Washington, DC where every neighborhood is safe, every resident is empowered, and every community partnership creates lasting positive change through collaboration, education, and shared responsibility.
“Your personal safety IS public safety too” β We’re Building the village that makes Our Community More Caring, Safer, and Stronger.
WE SUPPORT DC PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION
3D CAC’s accountability work is rooted in 45 years of documented practice. We track public safety data, publish crime trend analysis, deliver formal recommendations to district command, and hold monthly public meetings where MPD leadership reports directly to the community. This is not a new initiative. It is how we have operated since 1981.
Our current data tells an important story. Three months of Third District crime data through early 2026 show 748 documented incidents – a 28.3 percent year-over-year reduction. That progress is the result of sustained community-police partnership, PSA-level engagement, and data-driven public safety education. 3D CAC documents and shares this data because an informed community is a safer community.
We also track the broader institutional picture. The Office of Police Complaints recorded 1,065 complaints in FY2025 – the highest total in the agency’s history, with harassment as the leading allegation. MPD’s sworn strength stands at approximately 3,200 officers, the lowest level in at least five decades. These numbers are not a criticism of current leadership. They are the institutional reality that every MPD commander is navigating. And they are the reason that 45 years of sustained community oversight is more important today, not less.
3D CAC’s accountability framework includes:
Data-Driven Evaluation: Our evidence-based assessment protocols now include quarterly performance metrics, community satisfaction surveys, incident response analysis, and policy implementation tracking to ensure that community policing efforts deliver measurable results for residents.
Transparent Reporting: Through our monthly public meetings and digital platforms, we provide accessible analysis of Third District MPD performance data, policy changes, and community impact measurements that empower residents with the information needed for informed civic engagement.
Strategic Accountability: Our expanded oversight framework holds MPD management, DC government agencies, and elected officials accountable for commitments made to our community while fostering constructive dialogue that produces actionable solutions rather than empty promises.
Real-Time Information Hub: We connect community members with essential government data, MPD updates, crime statistics, policy developments, and budget allocations that directly impact neighborhood safety and quality of life across the Third District.
Community-Centered Intelligence: Our research and analysis team translates complex government data into accessible community reports, ensuring that residents have the information needed to advocate effectively for their neighborhoods and hold officials accountable for results.
Partnership Transparency: Through our established relationships with Third District MPD Command, DC City Council members, and city agencies, we facilitate direct access to decision-makers while maintaining independent oversight that prioritizes community interests above political considerations.
Performance Metrics: Our accountability framework tracks response times, community satisfaction rates, policy implementation success, budget utilization, and long-term neighborhood safety trends to ensure that public safety investments deliver tangible benefits for residents.
Regular Reporting: Quarterly community accountability reports provide clear analysis of MPD performance, government agency effectiveness, and elected official responsiveness, creating a permanent record that informs future advocacy and policy recommendations.
Citizen Empowerment: By providing accessible data analysis and transparent reporting, we equip community members with the knowledge and tools needed to engage meaningfully in civic processes and demand excellence from their public servants.
Monthly Community Briefings: Join our hybrid meetings on the last Thursday of the month for in-depth analysis of the latest MPD data, government updates, and community impact assessments.
Digital Resources: Access real-time updates, data dashboards, and accountability reports through our website and newsletter reaching 550+ engaged community members.
Direct Advocacy: Participate in our structured dialogue sessions with MPD leadership and elected officials where community concerns translate into policy action and measurable accountability.
Because transparency builds trust, and accountability creates lasting change.
Contact Us via Email: 3DCACDC@Gmail.com
Phone: 202-854-1620
Instagram: @3DCAC
Twitter: 3DCACDC
The 3rd District CAC Public Safety Areas:
PSA 301: Ward 1/ANC 1D, 1A, 1C
PSA 301,302 & 302: Ward 1/ANC 1C
PSA 304, 305 & 306: Ward 1/ANC 1B, 1E
PSA 307: Ward 2/ANC 2B, 2C, 2F, 2G
PSA 308: Ward 5/ANC 5E, 5F & Ward 6/ANC 6E
Join our email list serve by sending SUBSCRIBE to 3DCACDC@gmail.com.
Through our proactive engagement and partnership-building efforts, 3D CAC has made significant strides in promoting public safety and strengthening community-police relations in the Third District of Washington, DC.
By facilitating educational programs, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, we have empowered citizens to take an active role in crime prevention and neighborhood safety. Our impactful interventions have led to increased awareness, improved communication, and enhanced trust between residents and law enforcement. We Support Vital Public Safety Legislation.
We empower residents, businesses, and public safety leaders with the knowledge, skills, and evidence-based tools needed to prevent crime, build authentic trust, understand justice processes, and create safer, more resilient neighborhoods where all community members can thrive.
We empower residents, businesses, and public safety leaders with the knowledge, skills, and evidence-based tools needed to prevent crime, build authentic trust, understand justice processes, and create safer, more resilient neighborhoods where all community members can thrive.
Through collaborative partnerships spanning government agencies, corporate foundations, faith-based organizations, and grassroots community groups, we address complex public safety challenges with innovative solutions that produce measurable outcomes and sustainable community transformation.
Our goal is to improve the social betterment of Our Neighborhoods resulting in a safer and more cohesive community for us all.
Your participation creates real change. Your expertise matters. Your community needs your leadership.
The 3D CAC Public Safety Task Force is Washington, DC’s premier forum where residents, businesses, government partners, and MPD Third District leadership collaborate to develop data-driven solutions for complex community challenges. As an active member, you’ll directly influence policy decisions, resource allocation, and strategic initiatives that shape the future of our neighborhoods.
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Quality of Life Improvements – Addressing noise, sanitation, and neighborhood livability, behavioral health circumstances, drug activity
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Public Safety Enhancement – Crime prevention, emergency preparedness, and community policing
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Infrastructure Development – Buildings, Housing Conditions, Transportation, lighting, accessibility, and environmental safety
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Economic Development – Supporting business growth while maintaining community character
Evidence-Based Solutions: Our task force utilizes comprehensive data collection, community surveys, crime statistics, and performance metrics to develop targeted action plans that address root causes rather than symptoms.
Tracking & Accountability: We maintain detailed documentation of all recommendations, implementation timelines, and outcome measurements to ensure that government partners follow through on commitments made to our community.
Resource Optimization: Through systematic analysis of resident input, business needs, and agency capacity, we advocate for strategic resource allocation that maximizes community benefit and sustainable positive change.
π£οΈ Residents – Share neighborhood concerns and priorities
π’ Business Owners – Contribute economic development insights
π School Representatives – Address educational and youth safety needs
ποΈ Community Leaders – Provide organizational perspective and capacity
π Policy Analysis Training – Learn how government decisions impact communities
π Civic Leadership Skills – Develop expertise in public engagement and advocacy
π Network Building – Connect with government officials and community influencers
π Data Literacy – Understand how to interpret and utilize community statistics
π― Community Safety Advocate Certification – Training neighborhood leaders
π― Business Security Enhancement Program – Supporting commercial corridor safety
π― Emergency Preparedness Network – Building community resilience capacity
π― Youth Leadership Pipeline – Engaging next-generation civic leaders
Email: 3DCACDC@gmail.com
Subject Line: “Task Force Membership Application”
Include: Full name, address, phone number, and brief statement of interest
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Monthly Meeting Attendance (hybrid format available)
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Active Participation in working group sessions
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Community Engagement through neighborhood outreach
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Professional Conduct adhering to established guidelines
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Collaborative Approach respecting diverse perspectives
π Direct Access to MPD Third District Command Staff
π Government Briefings on policy developments and budget priorities
π Professional Development opportunities through partner organizations
π Leadership Recognition for outstanding community service contributions
The 3D CAC Public Safety Task Force transforms community concerns into government action. Join proven leaders who understand that lasting change requires strategic collaboration, evidence-based advocacy, and sustained civic engagement.
π§ Apply: 3DCACDC@gmail.com
π Learn More: www.3DCAC.org
π Questions: (202) 854-1620
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Next Meeting: [Monthly Schedule Available Online]
Because when community expertise meets government resources, extraordinary change becomes possible.

“The 3D CAC Public Safety Task Force Is An Excellent Opportunity for Community Policing Participation.”
Register with your name, address and phone number – 3DCACDC@gmail.com

“The 3D CAC Public Safety Task Force Is An Excellent Opportunity for Community Policing Participation.”