Decline in violence in Baltimore and crime prevention at the center of city leaders' meeting on Wednesday

BALTIMORE – Baltimore city leaders are meeting today to discuss crime prevention measures as the city continues to see a significant decline in violent crime.

Representatives from the Baltimore Police Department and the Mayor's Office of Safety and Engagement will participate in the City Council Oversight Committee hearing.

To date, Baltimore police report a 36% decrease in murders compared to the same period last year. As of Tuesday, there have been 135 murders in 2024, compared to 195 by this time in 2023.

The number of non-fatal shootings has also fallen dramatically, by 46% compared to the previous year.

Mayor Brandon Scott attributes the decline in violent crime to community efforts. The city's gun violence reduction program, Safe Streets, recently celebrated a milestone: Three of its locations – Belvedere, Franklin Square and Park Heights – have not seen a homicide for over a year.

“As we move forward in collaboration with our partners and others, we want to see us make many changes and expansions, but do so responsibly, learning from past mistakes and sustaining the work we are doing now,” Scott said.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the town hall.