Radar Gun Captures Controversy in D.C.

Cunningham, 40, who works for the department's emergency response team, last month received a letter of prejudice in the case, a mild form of official rebuke, for not completing the proper paperwork for his radar gun.

He was also cited for not having the explicit permission of supervisors to work off duty at that spot, a requirement under department guidelines, the internal affairs report states.

Cunningham disputes the report's findings, saying that the proper radar forms were not available and that commanders knew what he was doing. He had ticketed Dandridge in that same spot a year earlier, records show. The officer has filed a grievance, saying he is being punished for helping his community.

Some neighbors said Cunningham has made a difference in the area.

"I think we need more officers like him," said Jeanus Parks, 76. "He has made his presence felt here. For an officer to extend himself like that, it's commendable."

Union leaders said Cunningham's letter of prejudice would stop similar off-duty work.

Officers "are afraid to come out and take that extra step," said Sgt. Gregory I. Greene, chairman of the D.C. police labor committee of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1.

During a recent afternoon rush hour, Cunningham returned to Branch Avenue to catch speeders on his own time. He clocked one driver going 45 mph and another going 47 mph in a 25-mph zone. Then he received a page to call a commander. The supervisor told Cunningham to stop, because someone had complained that he was slowing traffic.

After hanging up his cellular phone, Cunningham cracked a smile and looked at Branch Avenue, where a single car was traveling 42 mph, according to the radar gun.

"I guess they don't want me giving another ticket to an assistant chief at rush hour," he said.