Officer shortage impacts city-run patrol program near Nats Park [Video]

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The neighborhood around Nationals Park has not been spared from the crime concerns plaguing the District. Now, area business leaders are working to increase the number of D.C. Police even on days there isn’t a game.

“There was some concern that there had been two high profile targeted shootings, murders that occurred here,” said Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District President Michael Stevens

D.C. Police stats show violent crime in a three-quarter mile radius around Nationals Park up is up 7% in the past two years. Theft is up 21%, robbery is up 44%, and vehicle theft is up 102%.

On gamedays extra police patrols outside of Nationals Park, paid for by the team, adds an extra layer of safety and security for people who live and work in Navy Yard. Now Capitol Riverfront BID is working to add more D.C. …