10-year-old girl talks to new DC Police Chief Pamela Smith about increased violence in the 6th District

WASHINGTON (7News) — The 6th District in Washington, D.C. is the most dangerous neighborhood in the city. It leads the way in violent crime and is second in the number of murders so far this year with 59 homicides.

Since the summer, 7News I-Team Investigator Scott Taylor has been asking the question: "How do we reduce violent crime in D.C.?"

In August, the I-Team had a discussion about increased violence in the 6th District with three children who live there.

READ | DC youth talk about rising crime in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city

"Hey, Taylor. Oh wait what are we wearing for Halloween today?" said MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith.

"Hi. Nice to meet you. A witch," said 10-year-old Taylor Weaver.

"You see my costume, right?" asked Chief Smith.

"You are supposed to be a police officer," said Weaver.

"Ya! I like it," said Chief Smith.

D.C. Police Chief Smith talked one-on-one with Taylor who lives in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in D.C.

READ MORE | 7News viewers react to children's opinions on the rise of violent crime in DC

"You can't even walk around here without people coming up to you and bullying you, killing you," said Taylor on a long line of steps in the 6th District in late August.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

Since our August interview with Taylor, violent crime has continued to soar in her neighborhood. During our first sit down, Taylor had her own ideas on how to better protect kids in her district.

"Police officers should be circling the block to make sure these kids are safe," added Taylor in late summer.

Our investigation and conversation with Taylor caught the eye of leaders at the Metropolitan Police Department and Police Chief Smith.

"I listened to your interview and I was very impressed," said Chief Smith.

"Thank you!" said Taylor.

"Very impressed with your ideas so I would like to hear them personally from you to see what you think I could do as the Chief of Police in your neighborhood," added Chief Smith.

"Probably having police officers around the dangerous blocks," said Taylor.

"OK," said Chief Smith.

"Every time, make sure kids get home safe because they be shooting. At this Halloween, that's why my Mom just pass out candy because people be shooting and kids be dying every single day," added Taylor.

"Oh, I'm sorry. OK," said Chief Smith.

"And I'd be sad," said Weaver.

"What I will tell you is that we have a lot of police officers out tonight," said Chief Smith.

"That's great," added Taylor.

According to MPD crime stats, there have been 85 juveniles shot in D.C. this year. A total of 15 of those children didn't make it.

SEE IT | 7News rides along with a violence interrupter in one of DC's most dangerous neighborhoods

"To make sure that we can keep our community safe especially when you young people will be walking around trying to get your little basket filled with candy bags filled with candy. That's my job to make sure you have a good Halloween tonight," added Chief Smith.

Taylor told 7News that when she grows up she wants to be a WWE star.

"All right, I like it. Let's do it. All right. Pleasure to meet you, Taylor," said Chief Smith.

"Pleasure to meet you," answered Taylor.

"And it's Chief Pam," said Chief Smith.

"Chief Pam," said Taylor.

"Chief Pam," said Chief Smith with emphasis.

"Chief Pam," said Taylor.

"I love it. You take care of yourself and be safe," said Chief Smith.

"You too," said Taylor.