luckily for me, DC cops don't give a hoot. I live up the hill from the police station and have just gotten so used to blowing the stop on the bottom of the hill (they actually removed the ones RIGHT at the bottom of the hill after a few nasty rear-end accidents) that it's second nature. Maybe if violent crime in my neighborhood goes down, and the numerous traffic problems somehow magically clear themselves up, they'll have time to worry about me.
that said... always look. Also, always have an eye out for that light-bar.
pay up, and keep your head on a swivel so you don't get caught again.