Big Ach, you lived in DC and say it's not "high crime"? I was stationed there for two years and when I was there it was very unsafe. I remember in Georgetown Blacks would stand around the ATMs waiting for white people to take out money. I was almost shot by a black kid at a Pizza Hut in PG County when I stood up for an elderly white couple being harassed by a group of "urban youths". The local pawn shop kept loaded shotguns propped up against the bullet-proof glass in arm's reach because there was so much violent crime and so many guns on the streets. I myself carried a 9 mil when I had to go into DC, even though at the time it was a "no gun zone".
I've not lived in D.C. but I have spent time there on several occasions over the last several decades. There was never a time or an incident where I felt threatened by anyone nor have I felt the need to arm myself against a potential attack. I believe I have used ATM's on occasion while there and not once did I notice anyone suspiciously standing around as if to rob me. I like to walk whenever possible so I often walk from place to place in D.C. When I have used the Metro, it always seems safe to me. Maybe I am just too scary looking to potential thugs and robbers.
