D.C. police Capt. C.V. Morris heads the violent crimes branch. Morris, 41, spent time growing up between Washington and Seneca, S.C., graduating from Eastern High School before joining the U.S. Army. But he always dreamed of becoming a D.C. police officer, and joined the force in 1988.
You worked undercover. What was that like?
I worked undercover for years, and they were probably the proudest moments of my career. My unit back then was gangs and guns, and we were damn good at what we did.
What case are you most proud of?
A taxi pulled into the 1300 block of Congress Street SE, and three guys — one with a shotgun, one with an AK-47 and one with a handgun — got out and started shooting up the block.
No one died, but about five people were shot. We worked around the clock and at the end of the day we were able to make arrests and convict all parties involved. This was the first time we had subjects shooting from a taxicab. It was my first true investigative case in which I had sole responsibility.
What’s been the most heartbreaking case?
A case we had at 15th and Bruce. A security guard was found [dead] in her home … with a note stating, “This is for snitching.” She also had a Band-Aid box stuffed in her mouth. I had met the young lady when I worked part-time. She was good people, and the snitching angle just never made sense. We were never able to close that case. It bothers me to this day.
You’re also known for your dreads. Is there any particular reason you keep them? Are you ever going to cut them?
It’s just a style that I like. Cutting them? I have done that several times. I keep them short. Getting rid of them? Who knows? I might one day, but for now it’s me.
