Forming Bonds Between Health Care, Law Enforcement, and underserved Communities.

Pictured above: Partnering to share positive messaging at local events.

David Wilkerson wants to be a welcome presence in his community.

As an officer with the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Wilkerson knows many community members’ perceptions of law enforcement and wants to change them.

“Every interaction with police shouldn’t be bad,” says Wilkerson, who works in the MPD Youth and Family Services Division. “When we’re out in the streets, connecting with people and bringing them resources they need, we’re showing them that we’re all one community. But it’s up to us, as law enforcement, to take that step and reach out.”

Beat the Street—a long-running program designed to strengthen bonds in D.C’s most underserved communities, addressing critical issues such as violence and food insecurity—is one way MPD conducts outreach in the community.

Now in its 20th year, this summertime series of events is an opportunity for community members to experience the lighter side of the police department while enjoying dancing, food, and musical performances featuring local bands, including a unique go-go/funk band composed entirely of law enforcement officers. MPD, social service agencies, vendors, and community organizations, including MedStar Washington Hospital Center, set up street-festival booths to engage and connect with everyone in attendance.

In 2023, our team at MedStar Washington Hospital Center partnered with Beat the Streets for six events throughout Wards 4, 6, and 8. Over 300 community members stopped by the MedStar Health booth to sign up for free cancer screenings, receive free blood pressure checks, learn about managing chronic illnesses, and get connected to neighborhood resources such as food pantries, housing support, job placement assistance and addiction counseling.

“This opportunity for healthcare providers and community members to have conversations in a safe space helps us establish trust and makes community members more comfortable asking questions about their health,” says Andrea Miranda, community health outreach manager, MedStar Health. “Whether we’re at a local park, recreation center, or a senior center, we find that they’re more willing to share their concerns in a setting that’s more relaxed and familiar than a hospital.”

Officer Wilkerson says the MPD partnership with MedStar Health is a natural fit.

“We are all first responders serving the same community in times of crisis—from working together during COVID-19 to responding to violence in the community,” he says. “We’ve developed a great relationship and mutual respect between my department and MedStar Health.”

Working in a police department in a big city, Officer Wilkerson says he has seen his share of violence. But he has also seen a strong sense of community and togetherness, especially at events like Beat the Streets. Miranda couldn’t agree more.

“These events are truly happy gatherings with music, food, and fellowship. People come by really excited about engaging with us,” she says. “It’s especially great to see MPD come out and interact with the community in such a fun way.”