Federal officials would seek pretrial detention for dangerous D.C. suspects

Federal law enforcement agencies and task-force members must work to hold D.C. arrestees in federal custody and pursue federal charges and detention when possible. The direction covers people arrested in the District of Columbia who may threaten public safety. All actions must follow applicable law. The order seeks detention before trial for defendants who pose a public-safety threat, but it does not guarantee detention or federal charges.

The Attorney General must review Metropolitan Police Department orders, policies, and practices and request needed changes from the D.C. mayor. The review covers policies that may result in pretrial release of criminal defendants who pose a public-safety threat. Requests must be consistent with the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The order directs requests for changes; it does not itself change D.C. police rules.

The Attorney General must determine whether D.C. continues to prohibit cash bail for certain dangerous cases; agencies must identify appropriate actions if it does. The determination covers D.C. Code cases in D.C. Superior Court where an arrestee poses a clear threat to public safety and order, including violent, sexual, and property offenses. Possible agency actions include funding decisions, federal services, or approvals, but each agency chooses what action is appropriate. Actions must follow applicable law and depend on available appropriations. The order does not itself restore cash bail or require a specific funding decision. The Attorney General must update the determination if D.C. changes its cashless-bail policies or practices.