Fenty Trims Security Detail, Takes Driver's Seat

D.C. police spokeswoman Traci Hughes said that the mayor's detail is "still in place" even if it's not visible. She said it is up to Fenty if he wants police protection.

Hughes declined to say where the officers assigned to cover Fenty were last week. "Even if they're not physically with the mayor, they're still protecting the mayor," she said.

Fenty's lone-wolf approach surprised some of his staff members, who first noticed the mayor behind the wheel when he arrived a week ago in his white Ford Expedition at a media event at the public schools textbook warehouse.

Spokeswoman Carrie Brooks said that Fenty might be testing what it's like to do business with no police detail. He left for a week-long vacation in Jamaica on Friday, and Brooks said she did not know whether he would continue driving himself when he returns.

The mayor's police detail has been a source of controversy over the years. When D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) was mayor, more than 30 officers were assigned to protect him and his family at one point. Officers were asked to run personal errands for the Barrys, including buying cigarettes, but at other times were barred from having access to the mayor, according to media reports.

Barry's successor, Anthony A. Williams, also traveled on official business with police officers, costing taxpayers thousands of dollars as Williams crisscrossed the country.

Fenty said he had not asked Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier to dismiss officers from the security detail. A marked police car and uniformed officer still sit outside Fenty's home in the Northwest neighborhood of Crestwood, Fenty said.

Fenty has been characterized as a populist, but his man-of-the-people approach to getting around town might affect his productivity.

On Thursday night, he arrived an hour late for a neighborhood meeting on U Street. He was delayed in part because he had to find a parking space for his SUV in the busy nightlife district.

The mayor said that he follows traffic laws and always parks in a legal spot, even when running behind schedule.

In the past, mayors have often conducted business, including making phone calls and consulting with aides, while riding in the back seat of city-provided cars.

Brooks, Fenty's spokeswoman, said the mayor always uses a hands-free device for his cellphone and does not check BlackBerry messages while driving. Brooks said that during the day, Fenty usually travels with a secretary.

Fenty said he has not been slowed down by his solo approach to traveling and generally has had good luck finding places to park.

"This is U Street. If you can find a spot within half a block on U Street, then usually you can find one in the rest of the city," Fenty said Thursday night.

He then got in his SUV and drove home.