D.C. Code § 16-1902
A writ of habeas corpus issued pursuant to this chapter shall be served by delivering it to the officer or other person to whom it is directed, or by leaving it at the prison or place at which the party suing it out is detained. The officer or other person shall forthwith, or within such reasonable time as the court or judge directs:
Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 583, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1
1973 Ed., § 16-1902.
1981 Ed., § 16-1902.