D.C. Council Debates Anti-Crime Bill

It was a heated debate and a tough decision for D.C. Council members on Monday.

On the one hand, they want to satisfy residents who are fed up with crime. But some say the "emergency" crime proposal on the table would violate civil liberties.

Councilman Jack Evans introduced an amendment to the anti-crime bill. It would allow civil injunctions to fight gang violence. That means that if a judge found "clear and convincing" evidence that a particular gang exists and a certain person is in that gang, police would have additional power to take that person into custody for hanging out in a particular public space, intimidating neighbors, or being in the presence of someone who is in possession of guns or drugs.

"This is not a question of whether you support civil liberties or not," said Ward 4's Muriel Bowser. "Of course we support the protections of the Constitution, but I believe that the residents of my Ward also have the right to go in and out of their houses without the fear of being shot."

However, other council members feared it would lead to sweeping lock-ups of citizens-- especially minorities.

The final vote was nine against the plan and four in favor of it. Evans says he will continue to try to find a compromise. He says doing nothing about crime is not an option.