The Washington Monthly's Monthly Journalism Award

Washington Monthly, Oct, 2002 by Jason Cherkis

JASON CHERKIS

"The Insider's Guide to Real Policing"

Washington City Paper, August 16-22, 2002

Jason Cherkis uses humor and sarcasm to present a withering portrait of Washington D.C.'s police department. Addressing his article to those who might consider becoming a D.C. cop, Cherkis discloses what District residents have long known about the city's finest. He shows how 10 percent of the department's officers do all of the work, while the remaining 90 percent spend their time cruising for chicks, beating up suspects for sport, and yes, hanging out at 7-11. Cherkis exposes all the cops' secrets: When the department's homicide unit failed to meet its target goals, the police chief simply lowered the goal and declared victory. Cherkis' years of covering the police department are reflected in this insider's look at government as rarely seen in the local press with the deadly summary: "Being a GOP means knowing you will always get a raise no matter how little you do."

THE MONTHLY JOURNALISM AWARD is presented each month to one or more newspaper, magazine, radio, or television stories (or series of stories), that demonstrate a commitment to the public interest. We are particularly interested in reporting that explains the successes and failure of government agencies at all levels and of other institutions such as the media, corporations, unions, and foundations that contribute to the existence or solution of public problems. Please send nominations (including a copy of the article or broadcast text) to The Washington Monthly Journalism Award, 733 15th Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005. Or e-mail us at editors@washingtonmonthly.com. Nominations for stories run in September 2002 are due October 5, 2002.