WASHINGTON — Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, visited the Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters' Joint Operations Command Center on March 25 to participate in a briefing about the DC National Guard Counterdrug Program. This briefing, held with Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah and Executive Assistant Chief of Patrol Operations Andre Wright, reviewed the program's significant partnerships and achievements over the past year.
The DC National Guard Counterdrug Program, an enduring initiative since 1989, supports law enforcement agencies and community organizations in combating illegal drug trafficking and abuse. National Guard members, specially trained in intelligence analysis, surveillance, and interdiction, work alongside these agencies to enhance their operational capabilities. The program also emphasizes community-based prevention and drug education initiatives.
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Ozzie Paternostro, Counterdrug Operations Noncommissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC), highlighted the ongoing partnership between the DC National Guard and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This collaboration has led to the deployment of skilled criminal analysts from the National Guard to assist MPD.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Stephen Ferry, a Senior Criminal Analyst for the Counterdrug Program, reported on the expansion of the program's personnel. Staff Sgt. Ferry initially served as the sole criminal analyst for the team but now is one of six analysts collaborating with the Metropolitan Police Department's Violent Crime Team. Together, they utilize advanced data analysis and intelligence-gathering to enhance efforts in combating drug-related crimes. Additionally, the Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) team has expanded to six members, strengthening its partnership with MPD's community outreach team to support drug prevention education from youth to seniors.
"It’s great to have recognition of what Counterdrug has accomplished but it’s also great that there is recognition of the partnership between the Metropolitan Police Department and the Counterdrug Program,” said Ferry. “I’m really proud of the work we do with MPD. They’re incredible investigators. They are passionate about their work, and it is rewarding to collaborate with people dedicated to improving this city. I am glad to be part of this mission.”
Deputy Mayor Appiah echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the crucial role of partnerships in achieving crime reduction. The Counterdrug Program works to reduce the flow of illegal narcotics in our communities, supporting the seizure of an average of $10 million of drug assets each year. Additionally, DCARNG Aviation has assets available for use in counterdrug operations.
“The reduction in crime doesn’t just happen, it’s really the hard work of everybody,” said Appiah. “Our force strength is lower, so it requires a lot of partnerships, and I am extremely grateful for the partnerships that allow us to get crime reduction.”
This briefing not only served as a reflection of past successes but also as a platform to discuss future directions and strategies for continuing the fight against drug-related issues in Washington, D.C. The collaborative efforts between the DC National Guard and local law enforcement are pivotal to the program's enduring success and its ability to adapt to new challenges in drug interdiction and community support.
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.06.2025 12:09 |
| Story ID: | 494361 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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