Washington Councilman Vincent Gray appears to have found some common sense.

Residents in the district can only hope it's contagious. Gray is moving to increase the Metropolitan Police Department's declining ranks and challenge the stringent discipline laws imposed by the council. It appears that his initiative has the support of Mayor Muriel Bowser . The question: Does it have enough support from the city council?

The overwhelming majority of people in the city are sick and tired of persistent violent crime. Property crime is at an all-time high. Giving away steering wheel locks, as the mayor has announced, isn't a replacement for proactive policing. Total crime is on the rise. It has gotten to the point that citizens are starting to demand more police services and less social justice lip service. Everyone wants safe neighborhoods, but they also want accountability in policing. Communities of color are likely to be disproportionately affected by any reduction in policing. It's these communities that have suffered the most with a rise in crime during the past two years.

Why are there fewer officers on the streets?

Mistreatment. Officers in the nation's capital are regarded as useful when needed and disposable when the crisis has passed. Would you accept a job, even if it came with a $20,000 bonus, to be away from your family, have your scheduled days off canceled, work insane hours, and be ridiculed for everything you do by a few who know nothing about your job? Not to mention the social justice warriors, who not only want you fired but also imprisoned.

The facts are clear. The most recent police academy class consisted of only six recruits. Yes, six recruits. That's absurd but not surprising considering the stressful employment conditions. Chief of Police Robert Contee has been railing about this problem for the past 18 months. The police have recruiting troubles, and the attorney general's office has serious prosecution problems. This is a problem created by the Washington Council to curry favor with far-left extremists. It misses the point that the bulk of Washington officers are honest, hardworking, and possess a high degree of integrity. I know, I’ve worked with them.

Understanding matters. Wouldn't it be refreshing to have an elected politician with actual first-hand knowledge of the subject matter when making public safety decisions? Rather, that is, than a politician making decisions based on biased information. Still, Gray's action is praiseworthy. If you are concerned about your safety in the district, be an informed citizen, know your council member's position, and hold them accountable for it.

David J. Terestre served as a sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department and is a nationally published author on policing issues.