Washington, D.C. has a unique status due to its dual control by city and federal authorities, enabling presidential control over the D.C. police department and the National Guard. Recent actions involved the president placing the D.C. police under federal control to address crime and homelessness. Trump has increasingly utilized federal law enforcement for his political agenda, dispatching the National Guard under atypical circumstances. Training differences for federal officers raise concerns, as their usual roles do not focus on civilian interactions, prompting questions about accountability and effective training for law enforcement in civilian contexts.
Washington, D.C.'s unique position as an area controlled by both city and federal powers gives the president the ability to temporarily control the D.C. police department and exclusively control the D.C. National Guard.
Trump has been more willing to utilize federal law enforcement this term, and has already moved agents to atypical roles to serve his policy agenda.
Federal officers aren't typically used in civilian law enforcement, as their day-to-day job does not revolve around interacting with civilians in the way that local police do.
When asked about the kinds of training federal officers are being given to ensure civilian safety, Trump told reporters on Thursday that officers are 'trained in common sense' and are 'very tough people.'
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